Inside the Documentary ‘American Doctor’: Unveiling the Healthcare Crisis in Gaza

The documentary American Doctor offers an in-depth look at the devastated healthcare system in Gaza amid Israeli military actions. The film premiered at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah, on January 23. Director Poh Si Teng, along with physicians Mark Perlmutter and Thaer Ahmad, discussed the film and their experiences with NPR’s Morning Edition.

The story follows three American surgeons, including Perlmutter and Ahmad, as they embark on medical missions to Gaza. They treat numerous wounded men, women, and children. The film also portrays their Palestinian colleagues who endure bombardments, displacement, and shortages of necessary supplies while managing the influx of casualties into hospitals under attack.

A unique aspect of American Doctor is its examination of the challenges faced by doctors both in Gaza and upon their return home. Given restricted journalistic access to Gaza by Israel, the film is pivotal in revealing the humanitarian struggles through the lens of these medical professionals.

Balancing Reality and Respect

The documentary begins with Teng visiting orthopedic surgeon Perlmutter in North Carolina. He shares a poignant photo of deceased Palestinian children. Teng initially considers obscuring the image for dignity. However, Perlmutter insists on showcasing the grim reality, arguing that hiding it would compromise journalistic integrity.

Teng highlights the delicate balance required in portraying such sensitive content. “You show too much and it becomes gratuitous,” she explains. “You show too little, and it disrespects those who have tragically lost their lives.” This balance is crucial in maintaining the authenticity and impact of the documentary.

Medical Challenges Under Siege

Thaer Ahmad, an emergency medicine physician featured in the film, describes the overwhelming challenges of providing healthcare in Gaza. He notes frequent mass casualty events, with dozens of injured individuals arriving simultaneously. The hospital struggles with limited resources, compounded by a blockade restricting access to essential supplies like food, medicine, and water.

Perlmutter shares his experience, stressing that many patients, primarily children due to Gaza’s young population, suffer grave injuries. His remarks on amputating limbs without anesthesia emphasize the dire resource limitations. He argues this scarcity is intentional, as explained by Israel’s policies that restrict imports considered potentially useful for military purposes.

The Role of American Doctors

Teng discusses the importance of capturing the doctors’ efforts to raise awareness back in the U.S. The film documents their interactions with media, the public, and Congress, aiming to influence policy change. “If the U.S. wanted this to stop, it could,” Teng asserts, referencing American military aid to Israel.

The documentary is a powerful call to action, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the role international actors play in its resolution.

For those interested in the full conversation, the interview is available. The film American Doctor is currently screening in select U.S. cities.