Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders

Watch Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders

"Higher Stakes. Tougher Choices. Medicine like you've never seen it."
  • NR
  • 2008
  • 1 hr 33 min

Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders is a captivating documentary that depicts the difficult and often life-threatening work that medical professionals from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) perform in some of the world's most dangerous and impoverished regions. Directed by Mark Hopkins, the film intricately weaves together the stories of five MSF volunteers, revealing their personal struggles and triumphs in the face of extraordinary challenges.

The film takes the audience on a journey through war-torn Liberia and Congo, as well as impoverished regions of Sierra Leone and Haiti. The medical teams, comprised largely of Western medical professionals, encounter a multitude of challenges, from cultural barriers to the extreme stress of working in constant fear for their own lives.

One of the doctors featured is Tom Krueger, a veteran ER physician from California. Krueger quickly finds that the skills that served him well in his home country are not sufficient in rural Sierra Leone, where most people cannot afford basic medical care. The film follows Krueger as he adjusts to working in rudimentary conditions, as well as his emotional struggle to reconcile his desire to help with the reality of the limited resources available.

Another doctor featured in the film is Davinder Gill, a surgeon from Canada who is sent to work for MSF in Congo. As the only female surgeon in a war zone, Gill faces prejudice from both her male colleagues and the local population, who often distrust female medical professionals. Despite the many obstacles she faces, Gill never loses sight of the fact that her work is saving lives, and she carries on undaunted.

The film also features the stories of Chris Brasher and Chiara Lepora. Brasher, a British anesthesiologist, is sent to Liberia at the height of the Ebola outbreak. The film offers an intimate look at the heart-wrenching reality of the outbreak as patients are turned away from overflowing hospitals and makeshift clinics. Lepora, an Italian cultural mediator, offers a unique perspective to the film. She is responsible for liaising between the patients and the medical teams and her story shows the challenges of addressing cultural barriers while providing medical care.

Living in Emergency is an immersive experience that offers a unique perspective on the courage and dedication of medical professionals working in some of the most dangerous and challenging situations imaginable. Through the eyes of the MSF volunteers themselves, the film shows the ways in which personal and professional lives intertwine; it offers an intimate look at how these brave individuals balance their own personal struggles and the demands of their work.

The powerful and often heart-wrenching stories in Living in Emergency are a powerful reminder of the work that humanitarian organizations like Doctors Without Borders do every day to save lives in often impossible situations. This film is not simply a collection of tales about selfless people; it is a testament to the importance of a continued effort to fight poverty and disease, to help the poorest people of the world get access to basic healthcare.

Overall, Living in Emergency is a powerful and moving documentary that offers a rare glimpse into the real-life experiences of Doctors Without Borders' medical professionals. The film offers a visceral portrayal of their courage, dedication and sacrifice, and it leaves a lasting impact on anyone who watches it. This film is a must-see for anyone with an interest in global health or for anyone who simply wants a closer look at the work of Doctors Without Borders.

Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders is a 2008 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes.

Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders
Description
Where to Watch Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders
Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders is available to watch, stream, download and on demand at The Roku Channel. Some platforms allow you to rent Living in Emergency: Stories of Doctors Without Borders for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2008
  • MPAA Rating
    NR
  • Runtime
    1 hr 33 min
  • Language
    English
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