American Doctor

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American Doctor

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1h 33m

Documentary

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38 Reviews

95%

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50+ Ratings

AMERICAN DOCTOR is a vérité non-fiction film following three prominent physicians--Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrian--friends who couldn't be more different but are bound by their shared oath to save lives. Dr. Thaer Ahmad is measured and strategic, Dr. Mark Perlmutter is blunt and wears his heart on his sleeve, and Dr. Feroze Sidhwa is media-savvy and prolific. Filmed in unfolding, on-the-ground scenes, the story follows them from a Gazan hospital under siege, to the halls of Congress. Together they fight to keep a promise to their Palestinian colleagues and patients, to continue the struggle where it matters most: the United States.

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Critics Consensus

American Doctor bears visceral witness to the crisis in Gaza, transforming the grim realities of the operating room into an urgent portrait of humanitarian resolve.

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Tim Grierson

Los Angeles Times

1d

We come to admire Ahmad, Perlmutter and Sidhwa, but Teng provides just enough shading so that subtle cultural tensions between the men start to emerge.

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Randy Myers

San Jose Mercury News

1d

4/4

“American Doctor” unflinchingly takes us into a hospital that should be a safe haven, but in reality is anything but (and that goes for patients, doctors and staff). This is a film that will stay with you after you exit the theater.

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David Ehrlich

IndieWire

Aug 18

Poh Si Teng’s bracing, tortured, and utterly vital “American Doctor” is a documentary born from -- and in constant dialogue with -- that gnawing sense of helplessness.

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Michael Ward

Should I See It

5h

4.5/5

Whatever political arguments surround American Doctor, Poh Si Teng keeps returning our attention to three simple things: a doctor, a patient, and the obligation to try to save a life.

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Ray Pride

Newcity

13h

10/10

Harrowing and precise... We witness the work.

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Dennis Harvey

48 Hills

22h

Essential viewing for those on all sides of the conflict...

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Rami

20h

Wowwww must watch must see. Bring tissues

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Najwa

5d

One thing I found especially remarkable is that Poh Si Teng, the director, wasn't even allowed into Gaza. She had to rely on Palestinian filmmakers inside Gaza to capture what was happening. Ibrahim Al-Otla, the Gaza-based cinematographer/director of photography, working with the doctors. She directed and assembled the film from outside Gaza Dr. Thaer Ahmad — Palestinian-American emergency physician from Chicago. ( family man/ Beautiful wife and kids) Dr. Mark Perlmutter — Jewish-American orthopedic surgeon from North Carolina. ( Unhinged/comical) Dr. Feroze Sidhwa — Zoroastrian-American trauma surgeon from California. (Sexy Voice/Reserved)

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JC

5d

This is a heart-wrenching view of the genocide in Gaza through the eyes of three doctors who chose to go there to treat trauma patients while Palestinian and international health care workers are being actively targeted. It is horrific to see, but necessary to understand what American tax dollars are funding.

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wayne C

5d

The stories of these Doctors in this situation captured by this Director is tremendously powerful. You’ll appreciate the doctor’s courage, but the amazing resilience inside the devastation by the Palestinian people is the true star of this film. Must see by the world!

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Josephine C

@RT80105805 23h

This was a heart wrenching testimonial to the destruction of Gaza and the needless loss of so many lives. The bravery of the doctors is inspiring. I hope that everyone see this to understand the the humanity of the healthcare workers and the value of every single precious life.

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KK T

@RT25184791 1d

Incredible movie Reality in your face We are so naive as to tge atrocity’s of war

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Poh Si Teng

Director

Thaer Ahmad

Self

Mark Perlmutter

Self

Feroze Sidhwa

Self

Ema Ryan Yamazaki

Film Editor

Suad Bushnaq

Original Music

American Doctor: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

AMERICAN DOCTOR is a vérité non-fiction film following three prominent physicians--Palestinian, Jewish and Zoroastrian--friends who couldn't be more different but are bound by their shared oath to save lives. Dr. Thaer Ahmad is measured and strategic, Dr. Mark Perlmutter is blunt and wears his heart on his sleeve, and Dr. Feroze Sidhwa is media-savvy and prolific. Filmed in unfolding, on-the-ground scenes, the story follows them from a Gazan hospital under siege, to the halls of Congress. Together they fight to keep a promise to their Palestinian colleagues and patients, to continue the struggle where it matters most: the United States.

Director: Poh Si Teng
Producer: Poh Si Teng, Kirstine Barfod, Reem Haddad
Distributor: Watermelon Pictures
Production Co: Elk Film
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Aug 14, 2026, Limited
Box Office (Gross USA): $41.1K
Runtime: 1h 33m

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