Abstract
The philosophical underpinnings for qualitative research are hard to grasp if one has not been exposed to philosophical ideas such as the nature of reality and knowledge eg ontology, epistemology. Qualitative research expertise traditionally lies within disciplines such as psychology, anthropology, sociology, nursing and education. In medicine, we are not guided into these p-value-free terrains. Our training is scientific and practical. Our interest in knowledge is for its practical application in care of the sick. However what is exciting for doctors and related to qualitative research is the idea that there are different ways of knowing. Qualitative research approaches enable us to explore systematically and creatively other ways of knowing.