George, Rebecca KateWebster, KKayes, NM2024-11-112024-11-112024-10-14Asia Pacific Journal of Health Management, ISSN: 1833-3818 (Print); 2204-3136 (Online), ACHSM, 19(2). doi: 10.24083/apjhm.v19i2.33991833-38182204-3136http://hdl.handle.net/10292/18267This article examines the methodological choices made for a research study into Health Systems Leadership. Reflections on key learnings are provided as a way of offering insight for researchers navigating these decisions for the first time. Embarking on qualitative research to effect change is purposeful but challenging; choosing the most appropriate methodology and methods can often be confounding and stressful for new researchers. This article explores the decision to use Interpretive Descriptive methodol ogy with an Appreciative Inquiry lens and makes visible decision junctures in the development of this research. Literature provides a wealth of expert guidance and excellent insights into research methodology and methods. However, very little expounds on the learnings of those who have gone before and what their insights and learnings may be. Research into allied health clinicians and their journey into health systems leadership roles provides an opportunity to reflect on an applied research journey.This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/4203 Health Services and Systems42 Health SciencesGeneric health relevance3 Good Health and Well Being1117 Public Health and Health Services1503 Business and Management1605 Policy and Administration4203 Health services and systems4206 Public health4407 Policy and administrationJournal ArticleOpenAccess10.24083/apjhm.v19i2.3399