Focused ethnography, a modern adaptation of traditional ethnographic methods, has become increasingly prevalent in the study of health promotion, health behaviors, and health literacy. Originating from the need for rapid, actionable insights, this approach retains core ethnographic principles while adapting them for shorter, more intense fieldwork periods. This chapter delves into the characteristics and origins of focused ethnography and other linked time-limited ethnographic approaches, and their practical applications in varied health contexts. By exploring key studies and ongoing academic debates, the chapter highlights the method’s flexibility and utility in delivering culturally nuanced and timely data critical for designing effective health interventions. Key features such as iterative data collection, short project timelines, and integrated analysis demonstrate how focused ethnography meets the pragmatic demands of modern health research while contributing valuable academic insights. Additionally, the chapter discusses the methodological challenges and ethical considerations inherent in focused ethnography, such as maintaining researcher objectivity and managing participant relationships within compressed time frames.