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Agenda
About WHLC
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October 8-9, 2025 | New York, NY
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Overview
We are delighted to invite you to the 2025 WHLC Leadership Summit -- an inclusive and intimate forum empowering women in leadership positions as they navigate the constantly changing healthcare landscape. Building on the enthusiasm and meaningful connections from last year, this Summit will bring together leading healthcare executives, legal professionals, and industry experts for candid, forward-looking conversations on the transformative changes shaping our industry under the new administration.
This dynamic in-person program will feature interactive panels, expert-led discussions, actionable takeaways, a professional development workshop on effective communication skills and valuable networking opportunities. Together, we will examine the critical challenges and emerging opportunities impacting healthcare today, with a strong focus on innovative strategies for leading teams tomorrow and beyond through change and uncertainty.
Join us to connect, collaborate, and discover effective approaches for leading your teams—and the industry—into the next chapter. To learn more, please contact WHLC@sheppardmullin.com.
Why Attend?
 
 
 
takeaways
Attendees
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Why Attend?
 
takeaways
 
 
Attendees
This event is by invitation only and tailored for senior leaders across the healthcare sector, including C-Suite executives, in-house counsel, compliance professionals, business development leaders, and other senior decision-makers.
WHLC is thoughtfully curating a diverse and influential group of attendees, ensuring the presence of recognized thought leaders and innovators from a broad range of healthcare disciplines. This approach fosters a dynamic environment for high-level dialogue, collaboration, and impactful networking.
Interested in Attending?
 
 
VENUE
October 8, 2025
12:00  p.m.-1:00 p.m.
Registration & Lunch
1:30 p.m.-2:20 p.m.
Stories from the Trenches: Legal and Business Challenges of Deploying AI in a Healthcare Organization 
Presented by:
October 9, 2025
2:40 p.m.-3:30 p.m.
Some Things Stay the Same: Healthcare Enforcement Priorities and Litigation Trends
Many of the Trump Administration’s enforcement priorities under the Federal False Claims Act are likely to be familiar:  Medicare Advantage, Cybersecurity and COVID-19 pandemic relief fraud.  The same is true for healthcare civil litigation: contract disputes, healthcare privacy rights, and consumer protection/consumer rights.  But it’s also evident that there are also several new prominent areas of focus that are emerging for government agencies and private litigants that may have a significant impact on healthcare organizations.
Presented by:
3:40 p.m.-5:40 p.m.
Executive Workshop: Communicating with Confidence
This exciting workshop will endow participants with tools to communicate confidently and achieve their communication goals. Speakers will explore their professional presence, body language, how to reduce anxiety, and ways to engage their audience. With day-to-day speech, we’ll discuss how to honor individual style and authenticity while calibrating for organizational needs. Attendees will walk away with strategies for owning the room, speaking off-the-cuff, and speaking how they want, when they want, regardless of the circumstance.
Presented by:
5:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m.
Cocktail Reception
Join us for a special mini wine-tasting at the beginning of the reception, led by our corporate attorney Kara Du, the firm’s “in-house sommelier”. Kara will pour a hand-picked lineup featuring Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Germany, guiding you through tasting notes that highlight each wine’s character, and sharing the history and stories that make these vintages truly memorable. It’s the perfect way to swirl, sip, and mingle during the cocktail reception at the WHLC Leadership Summit.
Expert Insights: Access timely, actionable perspectives on regulatory changes, market dynamics, and legal implications arising from the new administration.
Interactive Panels: Contribute to panel discussions alongside leading industry experts representing every aspect of the healthcare sector.
Networking Opportunities: Build meaningful connections with peers, C-Suite leaders, and colleagues.
Effective Communication Skills Workshop:  Attend an interactive and guided workshop lead by one or more executive speech coaches from Presenting Solutions, focusing on strengthening your communication presence, skills and confidence.
Influence the Conversation: Help shape the Summit’s agenda by sharing insights in the areas you consider most vital to your organization. 
8:00 a.m.
Registration & Breakfast
9:15 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
Inside the Matrix: Evaluating the New Healthcare Merger Control Regimes in the States and a New FTC and DOJ 
With over a dozen U.S. states recently enacting new laws and regulations requiring pre-close approvals for healthcare transactions and a new administration in Washington, healthcare companies and their investors must navigate an increasingly complex maze to get their deals done and on time.  Join our panel for an in-depth discussion of these new laws, as well as practical takeaways from what we are seeing at the state and federal level.
Presented by:
10:00 a.m.-10:50 a.m.
10:50 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Break
11:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m.
Managing Uncertainty: In-House and Outside Counsel Perspectives on Emerging Risks
With healthcare organizations facing so many different changes in federal and state laws all at once, it can be especially challenging for in-house lawyers and their outside counsel to advise their clients on how to prioritize and balance current risks and how to anticipate future developments and emerging risks. During this fireside chat, leaders of in-house legal teams and outside counsel will share their experiences guiding their clients and their teams during these uncertain times. Audience participation is strongly encouraged!
Presented by:
11:35 a.m.-12:20 p.m.
Leave with a deeper understanding of the latest trends, regulatory updates, and the implications of new federal and state healthcare policies in a changing political landscape.
Gain practical guidance to address industry challenges—such as data privacy, reimbursement shifts, enforcement trends, and compliance requirements—in today’s evolving healthcare environment.
Engage in candid discussions to exchange real-world solutions and experiences with fellow executives, in-house counsel, and healthcare leaders.
Build valuable relationships with influential leaders from across the sector, fostering ongoing knowledge-sharing and future opportunities.
About WHLC
Sheppard Mullin’s Women in Healthcare Leadership Collaborative (WHLC) is a national leadership initiative dedicated to supporting women who are currently in or advancing into leadership positions within the healthcare and life sciences industries. WHLC is an inclusive group that welcomes and benefits from the participation of professionals of all genders who are committed to supporting women leaders and addressing gender disparities in leadership.
Drawing upon Sheppard Mullin’s nationally ranked healthcare practice and the firm’s leadership in diversity and inclusion, WHLC fosters a nationwide community of engaged professionals through events held across the country. In addition to high-quality networking opportunities, WHLC identifies resources and professional development programs to support career growth. WHLC also hosts regular roundtable discussions on complex legal and business issues, cutting-edge developments in healthcare, and professional skills training, equipping participants with the knowledge and connections to thrive in leadership roles.
Learn more about whlc
Meet our co-leaders
Amy Dilcher | bio
Partner, Washington, D.C.
Sheppard Mullin
 
 
Chi Huynh | bio
Partner, Century City
Sheppard Mullin
 
 
WHLC  |  Practices  |  Industries  |  Offices
 
 
 
 
Sheppard Mullin is excited to be hosting the 2025 WHLC Leadership Summit in our Sheppard Mullin New York Office.
30 Rockefeller Plaza, Floor 24New York, NY 10112
Agenda
1:15 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Introduction & Opening Remarks
Presented by:
invite only, invitation inquiries please contact WHLC@sheppardmullin.com
Pre-Summit Materials
 
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Pre-Summit materials
Value-Based Arrangements under Stark & Anti-Kickback Statute 
An educational session on value-based arrangements and the relevant exceptions and safe harbors under the Stark Law and Anti-Kickback Statute. Click here to watch session
Key Considerations for Risk-Based Contracting
A primer on how to appropriately structure risk-based contracts. Click here to watch session
Pre-Summit Meet & Greet: September 18, 2024 
A virtual session for attendees to learn more about WHLC’s mission and meet our co-founders, Danielle Vrabie and Amanda Zablocki.
 
 
VEnue
Speakers
View Accomodations
Hard Rock Hotel
Rate/Promo Code: NEGSHEP - 15% off Best Available Rate for all categories except Rock Star Suite
Click to book 
159 West 48th StreetNew York, NY 10036212-970-1200
 
New York Hilton Midtown
Experience modern style at the New York Hilton hotel in Midtown Manhattan, one of the top New York hotels near Times Square.
1335 Avenue Of The Americas
New York, NY 10019 
(Between 53rd and 54th Streets)3 blocks from office  |  4-star hotel
Sheraton NY Times Square
Discover an urban retreat in the heart of Midtown NYC at Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel.
811 7th Avenue 53rd Street 
New York, NY 10019 
(Between Avenue of the Americas and 7th Avenue)3 blocks from office  |  4-star hotel(212) 581-1000
DoubleTree by Hilton New York Midtown Fifth Ave
In Midtown, a short walk from Rockefeller Center, Radio City Music Hall, and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
25 West 51st Street
New York, NY 100191 block from office  |  3-star hotel
The Healthcare Horizon:  
Charting the Next Chapter
Summit Topics
Hot Topics in Data Privacy and Security
Healthcare Enforcement Priorities and Litigation Trends
Evaluation of the New Federal and State Healthcare Merger Control Regimes
Impact of Executive Orders on Workforce Dynamics  
Trends in Healthcare Reimbursement and Regulatory Matters
 
 
Click here to RSVP
Chi Huynh
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Amy Dilcher
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Carolyn Metnick
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Sara Shanti
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Rob Guenther 
CLO 
Included Health
bio
Tracy Hubbell
Vice President, 
Associate General Counsel 
Hackensack 
Meridian Health 
bio
Renee 
Delphin-Rodriguez 
CLO and General Counsel 
SCAN Health Plan
bio
 
 
 
Judy Suwatanapongched
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Danielle Vrabie
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Judy Suwatanapongched
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
John Carroll
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Jared Nagley
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Malika Levarlet
Special Counsel 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Dana Kennedy
Associate 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
What’s Keeping You Up At Night? A Discussion About Navigating Workplace Challenges in the Healthcare Industry 
Healthcare organizations today face a rapidly changing environment, where workplace issues can significantly impact staff wellbeing and morale. Organizations are also facing an unprecedented time of uncertainty as it relates to the state of employment laws governing the workplace. This presentation for healthcare leaders explores the most pressing challenges encountered in clinical and administrative settings—including workforce shortages, workplace violence, burnout and mental health, diversity and inclusion, and an ever-evolving legal landscape. By addressing these challenges proactively, leaders can enhance staff engagement, drive positive organizational change, and stay ahead of the curve.
Presented by:
Mikela Sutrina
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Melissa Pifko 
CLO 
UT Health Houston
bio
 
Frankie Louis 
Deputy GC 
Baylor College of Medicine
bio
 
Margia Corner
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Moderated by:
Trends in Healthcare Reimbursement and Regulatory Matters 
Federal and state governments’ increased focus on reducing government spending, improving healthcare affordability for patients and consumers, expanding and holding accountable managed care delivery systems means many changes on the horizon in healthcare reimbursement and other regulatory requirements. This panel will focus on cutting edge issues in Medicare & Medicare reimbursement, managed care, and new federal and state requirements for healthcare providers and health plans.
Presented by:
Ashley Wheelock
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Margia Corner
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Erica Kraus
Special Counsel 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Lynsey Mitchel
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
12:20 p.m.-12:30 p.m.
Closing Remarks
Presented by:
Chi Huynh
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Amy Dilcher
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Lunch
View  more Accomodations
 
 
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2:20 p.m.-2:40 p.m.
Break
10:50 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Break
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cle details
CA: This activity has been approved for 4.5 hours of Minimum Continuing Legal Education general credit by the State Bar of California. Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP certifies that this activity conforms to the standards for approved education activities prescribed by the rules and regulations of the State Bar of California governing minimum continuing legal education.
NY: This program has been approved in accordance with the requirements of the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board for a maximum of 5 credit hours which may be applied toward 1.5 Areas of Professional Practice and 3.75 Law Practice Management requirements and is suitable for both transitional and non-transitional attorneys.
TX: This course has been approved for Minimum Continuing Legal Education credit by the State Bar of Texas Committee on MCLE in the amount of 4.5 general credit hours.
IL: An application for accreditation of this activity will be submitted to the MCLE Board of Illinois for 4.5 credits
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Brendan Houdek
Presenting Solutions
bio
 
Anne Collier
MPP, JD, CEO 
Arudia
bio
 
Kara Du
Associate 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Margia Corner
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Margia Corner
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
 
Jennie Fromkin
Associate Vice President & Counsel, Chief Privacy Officer
Corporate Compliance 
Montefiore Health System 
bio
 
Carolyn Metnick
Partner 
Sheppard Mullin
bio
