Wednesday 13 / May / 2026
Muscat: The Ministry of Information is preparing to release a documentary titled Al Dakhtar Thoms “Dr. Thoms.” The documentary chronicles the life of American physician Dr. Wells Thoms, one of the most prominent figures associated with the history of healthcare services in the Sultanate of Oman.
The film blends historical narration, reenacted dramatic scenes, rare archival footage, and live-action footage in Oman and the United States, all within a contemporary cinematic approach.
The work traces the early journey of Dr. Wells Thoms—locally known in Oman as "Al Dakhtar Thoms"—from his childhood and early exposure to the suffering of leprosy and infectious disease patients in Oman, to his eventual dedication of his life to medical and humanitarian work in the Sultanate of Oman.
The film also covers key milestones in his life, including the development of Al Rahma Hospital, the launch of specialized initiatives to treat infectious diseases and leprosy, his medical journeys across various regions, and his close relationship with Omani society.
The documentary draws on testimonies and interviews with researchers, academics, and figures associated with medical services in Oman, in addition to private interviews with family members of the doctor and academics in the United States.
Filming locations included the states of Florida, Kansas, and Michigan, where aspects of his academic and family life were documented. Cinematic colour grading and sound mixing were carried out in specialised studios in London.
The documentary "Al Dakhtar Thoms" aims to highlight a figure who left a significant mark on Omani memory, through a work that blends history, drama, and humanitarian dimensions, while documenting an important chapter in the development of the health sector in the Sultanate of Oman.
