Palestinian American
Dr. Thaer Ahmad
Emergency medicine physician, Chicago. Humanitarian relief in Gaza and Lebanon. One of three American physicians featured in the film.
The Film
American Doctor
A documentary by Poh Si Teng · in select theaters from August 14, 2026
Where you can see him in person
Other cities are hosting post-film Q&As with the filmmakers and the other physicians in the film — guests vary by screening. See all screenings and Q&As →
About the film
Three doctors. One war. One shared oath.
American Doctor is a 2026 vérité documentary from Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning filmmaker Poh Si Teng, produced by Tiny Boxer Films and distributed in North America by Watermelon Pictures. It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival.
The film follows three American physicians of different faiths — a Palestinian, a Jew, and a Zoroastrian — friends who could not be more different, united by a single mission: to volunteer their medical skills in Gaza, where healthcare infrastructure has been devastated.
Dr. Thaer Ahmad is one of the three. His colleagues on screen are Dr. Mark Perlmutter and Dr. Feroze Sidhwa. Together, they offer a portrait of medical conscience across the lines that usually divide.
- Director
Poh Si Teng
Oscar-nominated, Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker. Feature directorial debut.
- Production
Tiny Boxer Films
Producers include Poh Si Teng, Oscar nominee Kirstine Barfod, and Reem Haddad.
- Distribution
Watermelon Pictures
North American rights acquired April 2026.
- Premiere
Sundance Film Festival
World premiere.
- Theatrical
August 14, 2026
Opens in New York, after early screenings August 11–13. Expands to Los Angeles, Chicago and cities nationwide through the fall.
The three on screen
A Palestinian, a Jew, a Zoroastrian.
Jewish American
Dr. Mark Perlmutter
Orthopaedic surgeon from California who volunteered in Gaza. One of three American physicians featured in the film.
Zoroastrian American
Dr. Feroze Sidhwa
Orthopaedic surgeon who volunteered in Gaza. One of three American physicians featured in the film.