Kirsti Malterud discusses qualitative research methods in medicine, emphasizing their complementary role with quantitative approaches. She proposes standards of relevance, validity, and reflexivity for qualitative inquiry. Challenges include reflexivity, transferability, and shared assumptions, which require researchers to be aware of their own biases and the context of their study. She argues that qualitative research should focus on understanding meanings and experiences, not just statistical outcomes. Validity and relevance are essential, but reflexivity is equally important, requiring researchers to critically examine their own influence on the study. Reflexivity involves acknowledging personal and professional perspectives, and ensuring that findings are contextualized appropriately. Transferability is crucial, as findings cannot be universally applied. Sampling strategies must be purposeful and aligned with research questions. Guidelines for qualitative research include thorough analysis, transparency in methods, and clear documentation of the research process. Interpretation and analysis involve organizing, comparing, and validating alternative interpretations. Different analytical styles, such as immersion/crystallisation, editing, and template analysis, are used depending on the research question. Theoretical frameworks are important but should not overshadow medical knowledge. Qualitative and quantitative methods can be combined, with triangulation enhancing understanding. However, integration should not treat qualitative data as quantitative. The article also includes a case study of a patient with undiagnosed tuberculosis, highlighting the importance of considering unexpected diagnoses. The case underscores the need for thorough investigation and the value of reflexivity in medical research.Kirsti Malterud discusses qualitative research methods in medicine, emphasizing their complementary role with quantitative approaches. She proposes standards of relevance, validity, and reflexivity for qualitative inquiry. Challenges include reflexivity, transferability, and shared assumptions, which require researchers to be aware of their own biases and the context of their study. She argues that qualitative research should focus on understanding meanings and experiences, not just statistical outcomes. Validity and relevance are essential, but reflexivity is equally important, requiring researchers to critically examine their own influence on the study. Reflexivity involves acknowledging personal and professional perspectives, and ensuring that findings are contextualized appropriately. Transferability is crucial, as findings cannot be universally applied. Sampling strategies must be purposeful and aligned with research questions. Guidelines for qualitative research include thorough analysis, transparency in methods, and clear documentation of the research process. Interpretation and analysis involve organizing, comparing, and validating alternative interpretations. Different analytical styles, such as immersion/crystallisation, editing, and template analysis, are used depending on the research question. Theoretical frameworks are important but should not overshadow medical knowledge. Qualitative and quantitative methods can be combined, with triangulation enhancing understanding. However, integration should not treat qualitative data as quantitative. The article also includes a case study of a patient with undiagnosed tuberculosis, highlighting the importance of considering unexpected diagnoses. The case underscores the need for thorough investigation and the value of reflexivity in medical research.