David is Chair of Proskauer’s Health Care Group. He represents investors, health care providers and other industry stakeholders in complex business transactions and regulatory matters throughout the country. David has been helping clients navigate an evolving health care landscape for more than 25 years.
1. Tell me a bit about the trajectory of your career progression to Proskauer?
My move to Proskauer in 2017 was driven in large part by the increased complexity of transactions and regulatory matters. There was a tremendous amount of vertical and horizontal consolidation in the industry happening, primarily with people who were pursuing opportunities around value-based care and delivery system reform. The legal issues had gotten much more complex, and I was in need of a deeper bench around me. Proskauer was always the firm I viewed as having a great platform and it had that bench.
The issues and, in turn, the work have continued to become more sophisticated and I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the best lawyers in the country (including in-house and opposing counsel) on many of the largest and most sophisticated transactions in health services.
As Chair of the Health Care Group, I am proud to say we have a great team of experienced, smart and creative lawyers, and we have continued to expand our team with exceptional laterals and associates. Every member of the team brings something special to the bench. We work hard but have a great culture and enjoy each other’s company.
2. What appeals to you most about working in the health care industry?
As health care lawyers we are given the opportunity to support our clients as they execute on plans designed to make populations of people healthier. I enjoy the mission.
Through our work, we are able to make a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. When we help colleagues and clients do well and good, we succeed.
3. As Chair of Proskauer’s Health Care Group, how do you mentor the next generation/set your team up for success?
Our health care practice is pretty tightknit and we give our associates a lot of opportunity to be hands-on in our matters. Because of the diversity of work that we have, we can expose younger lawyers to different types of work, whether that’s a specific sub-sector within the industry or a crossover with another practice at the Firm such as health care litigation or M&A. As Chair, one of my goals is to help associates find and do what they want to do, so they will be much more successful and happier.
4. What are some emerging trends that could exacerbate health disparities? What are some solutions/initiatives that can be implemented to help close the gap?
Providers are increasingly using technology to augment sites of service to less expensive locations, including telemedicine and home-based. Unfortunately, the technology divide has left many communities behind in terms of health care access, either because they don’t have internet access or the right devices to access health care, or they haven’t been educated on how to use the technology.
Addressing access to health care through technology, especially in rural areas where there aren’t brick-and-mortar primary care providers, is very important to me. If the provider community continues to rely on technology to help patients without addressing the lack of access some communities face, it will only worsen those inequities.
We also have clients participating in federal and state-sponsored programs that are intended to enhance access to health care in underserved communities. Providing project financing for brick-and-mortar initiatives and local technology initiatives can all help less-connected communities.
5. How do you define success?
Through our work, we are able to make a positive impact on the communities in which we live and work. When we help colleagues and clients do well and good, we succeed.