American Doctor: A Documentary by Poh Si Teng

Poh Si Teng’s documentary, “American Doctor,” presents a vivid portrayal of three U.S. physicians working to treat war casualties in Gaza. This film had its debut in Duluth and captures the relentless challenges faced by doctors at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza, where casualties, including many children, are abundant.

Poh Si Teng, a journalist and filmmaker with a Malaysian background, brings extensive experience to this project. Her professional journey includes work with major outlets like The New York Times and Al Jazeera. She has received numerous accolades, including a national Emmy and an Oscar nomination.

The documentary follows three doctors – Dr. Mark Perlmutter, a Jewish hand surgeon, Dr. Feroze Sidhwa, a Zoroastrian trauma surgeon, and Dr. Thaer Ahmad, a Palestinian American emergency physician. Their work in an overwhelmed hospital environment reveals the dire need for medical supplies and functional equipment. The film shows Perlmutter packing his supplies, indicating the scarcity and challenges faced by these physicians.

“Three surgeons and four medical fellows are working on one little girl for 2½ hours and she’s very likely to lose her left leg and part of her arm,” Perlmutter says in the film, which is presented without narration.

A significant part of the narrative involves Perlmutter’s outspoken criticism of the war. Despite political challenges, he secured permission to enter Gaza in March 2025 with Dr. Sidhwa. However, their Palestinian colleague faced restrictions due to the complex political climate. Teng faced similar barriers and coordinated remotely with a crew from Al Jazeera, showcasing the perils they encountered during filming. The Nasser Hospital itself was bombed, illustrating the dangerous reality the film captures.

The Story Behind the Documentary

Teng’s motivation for creating this documentary stems from witnessing the loss of lives, including former colleagues. Her collaboration with Perlmutter began after seeing his story in the media. Their partnership fueled the documentary’s rapid production from late 2024 to the end of 2025, resulting in a film that traverses between those years.

Following its Sundance premiere, “American Doctor” has been screened in 200 theaters, a remarkable achievement for a documentary. This widespread viewership reflects the impact of its storytelling and the realities it portrays.

While Teng’s career began without setting foot in Duluth, she once reflected on her visit to the Twin Cities, describing it as an educational experience. Her current project now sheds light on more challenging narratives without straying from her journalist roots.