In this episode of the Health-e podcast, partner and host Michael Orlando welcomes Amanda Zablocki, partner and co-leader of Sheppard’s Healthcare industry team, to explore key insights from the 2026 J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference and discuss how digital innovation is transforming the healthcare M&A landscape.
What we discuss in this episode:
- How did buzzwords like AI and innovation shape conversations at this year’s J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference?
- What role does technology play in healthcare transactions?
- How is AI driving the next wave of consolidation among hospitals, health systems and health plans?
- What are the challenges and opportunities in integrating technology platforms during mergers and acquisitions?
- How does technology leadership influence whether an organization becomes a buyer, partner or target, and why is it critical to involve technology leaders early in the deal-making process?
- What is the impact of data assets, analytics platforms and AI-driven tools on healthcare transactions?
- How can organizations balance the cost of technology with their mission to serve patients and communities?
- What legal and regulatory considerations should healthcare organizations prioritize when adopting new technologies?
About Amanda Zablocki
Amanda Zablocki is a partner in the Corporate practice group in Sheppard’s New York office and co-leader of the firm's Healthcare Industry team. A trusted legal and strategic advisor to healthcare organizations nationwide, she helps them to achieve their mission and goals while navigating a dynamic regulatory landscape.
Large-scale, strategic transactions—mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures and strategic partnerships, and corporate reorganizations—are at the center of Amanda’s practice. With extensive industry knowledge, a deep understanding of the key drivers and levers for success, and broad experience navigating the complex healthcare regulatory landscape, she helps clients close high-impact deals that transform healthcare.
Amanda’s clients include health plans and health insurers, hospital systems, academic medical centers, digital health and healthcare technology companies, pharmaceutical and life sciences companies, rare disease organizations, physician practices, management services organizations, value-based care organizations, and 501(c)(3) organizations. Having begun her career in commercial litigation, she brings a litigator’s eye to managing risk in connection with disputes and advocating her clients’ positions.
Amanda co-founded Sheppard’s Women in Healthcare Leadership Collaborative, an exclusive initiative that provides support to women professionals in the healthcare and life sciences industries. She is also co-founder and a board member of Hyper IgM Foundation, an organization committed to improving the treatment, quality of life and long-term outlook for children and adults living with Hyper IgM.
About Michael Orlando
Michael Orlando is a corporate and intellectual property transactions attorney in Sheppard’s San Diego (Del Mar) office, where he leads the firm’s Technology Transactions team and is a member of the Life Sciences and Healthcare teams.
Michael advises technology companies on the development, commercialization, and procurement of their products. His experience covers a broad spectrum of transactions, including licensing, outsourcing, joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions, collaborations, and strategic partnerships. By integrating corporate and intellectual property law, Michael structures deals that align his clients' legal, technical, and business objectives. His practice serves a diverse range of industries—from biotechnology and digital health to aerospace and automotive technologies, with a particular focus on electric, autonomous, and connected vehicle systems. He represents a wide array of clients, from early-stage startups to Fortune 500 companies.
Before entering private practice, Michael founded a software-as-a-service company and completed an in-house secondment at a publicly traded biotechnology company, an experience that informs his practical and business-focused approach to client engagements.
Resources
Women in Leadership Healthcare Collaborative (WHLC)
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This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matter, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs.