World News
Documentary highlights American surgeons who served in Gaza and advocated in the U.S.
The film features three doctors who detail severe supply shortages, mass casualties, and their attempts to inform Congress and the public upon returning home.
The short version
- A new documentary titled "American Doctor" follows three American surgeons—Mark Perlmutter, Thaer Ahmad, and Feroze Sidhwa—on medical missions to Gaza.
- Participating doctors report performing amputations without anesthesia and facing mass casualties during severe medical supply shortages.
- The film documents the surgeons' efforts to advocate and brief members of Congress, the press, and the public after returning to the U.S.
- It remains uncertain how widely the independent film will be screened beyond initial releases in select U.S. cities.
Key facts
- The documentary "American Doctor," directed by Poh Si Teng, follows three American surgeons—Mark Perlmutter, Thaer Ahmad, and Feroze Sidhwa—on medical missions in Gaza.[NPR]
- Footage inside Gaza was shot by Palestinian cinematographers, while director Poh Si Teng filmed outside Gaza and in the United States.[NPR]
- Orthopedic surgeon Mark Perlmutter stated that he had to perform amputations on children without anesthesia due to a lack of medical supplies.[NPR]
- Perlmutter stated that Israeli officials confiscated brought-in surgical instruments, antibiotics, and personal supplies under screening policies.[NPR]
- Human rights groups and medical volunteers report that Israeli dual-use item restrictions have led to the confiscation of items including incubators, ventilators, and antibiotics.[NPR]
- The film documents the surgeons returning to the U.S. to share their experiences with journalists, members of Congress, and the public.[NPR]
What remains uncertain
- The full distribution plan and potential streaming release for "American Doctor" beyond select U.S. theaters have not been specified.[NPR]