A project manager in a healthcare organization has been asked by the project team to...

The first step should be to ask the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for candidate recommendations because physician participation in clinical systems implementation is most effective when it is leadership-supported, appropriately vetted, and aligned with medical staff governance . The CMO (or equivalent physician executive leadership) understands physician leadership structures, department dynamics, credibility considerations, and who has the influence, availability, and interest to serve as a physician champion, subject matter expert, or governance representative. This approach also reinforces shared accountability: clinical transformation is not “an IT project,” and engaging physician leadership early helps secure buy-in, clarify expectations for time commitment, and ensure representation reflects organizational priorities and patient safety needs.

The other options are less effective as a first action. A mass email (A) may produce volunteers, but not necessarily the right physician leader or specialty representation, and it can bypass medical staff leadership norms. Requesting volunteers at a medical staff meeting (C) is public and time-bound, and still may not yield a suitable, supported candidate. Developing incentives (B) may be helpful later for protected time or compensation, but selecting the right physician partner and sponsorship structure comes first. Therefore, engaging the CMO for recommendations is the best initial step.