American Doctor Focuses on Harsh Healthcare Realities of War

At the start of this doc, the conversation is debated between one of the doctors and the filmmaker over whether or not photos of slain children should be shown on camera at the risk of exploiting their deaths.  That decision to show photos of these innocent lives and making sure the viewing audience understands the realities and casualties of this war are of paramount importance.

Standing up for innocent lives should not be controversial. Yet, because this film is about Palestine, it will be deemed “too hot” for many to handle. Yet, “American Doctor” is about truth, responsibility, and the courage to dissent.  Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank have been profoundly dehumanized as evidence of hospital and medical facility bombings, which were supposed to be deemed off limits. Then, the October 7 attacks happened, followed by the genocide of Palestinians with a ceasefire takin place on October 9th.

This doc focuses on three renowned American physicians, Dr. Thaer Ahmad, Dr. Mark Perlmutter and Dr. Feroze Sidhwa, who risked everything and returned to the war zone to save lives, proving that working together is absolutely necessary when the stakes are so high. Their work carries an undeniable sense of urgency.

Director Poh Si Teng provides devastatingly raw footage while simultaneously illustrating that something as simple as these doctors grabbing a haircut or hugs form their own children and loved can relieve the stress they face daily in the race to save lives is a war torn country.

In the two years since October 2023. Israel with support of the United States has killed more than 1700 healthcare workers in Gaza.  Let ahta sink in the next time you see a news item.  How do you justify asking a child how many different kinds of birds do they know and begin to rattle off names of helicopters.  This is the sad state of affairs in our world today.

American Doctor should be a reminder that war affects everyone regardless of how or whom started it and is especially rough on the healthcare community who continue to risk their lives to make sure that other have one to live.