<p> The purpose of this systematic review was to examine the factors associated with clinicians' effectiveness as first-time healthcare managers. The high demand for clinicians to become healthcare managers has been predicated on their strong clinical knowledge and their credibility among their peers. While existing medical expertise and credibility among peers are crucial when transitioning into management, there are other factors that could impact clinicians' effectiveness as first-time managers. Utilizing a conceptual framework that incorporates motivation theory, social identity theory, leader&ndash;follower theory, and leader&ndash;member exchange theory, this research sought to identify factors associated with the effectiveness of clinicians as first-time healthcare managers. Evidence from 67 studies was analyzed using a thematic synthesis approach. The following six major factors were identified as factors that are associated with clinicians' effectiveness as first-time healthcare managers: (1) clinicians' motivation to transition into management, (2) clinicians' ability to detach from their social identity as clinicians and adopt a new social identity associated with their new role, (3) quality and convenience of formal developmental programs, (4) utilization of succession planning, and (5) cultural alignment. Based on the findings of this study, implementation of evidence-based succession planning programs would allow organizations to identify current and future open management positions, to systematically screen high-potential clinicians who are motivated to solve healthcare issues and achieve excellence, and to provide convenient and high-quality in-house management training and mentorship programs prior to role transition.</p><p>