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Meet the Team

Rena Hale, Ph.D.

Rena Hale, Ph.D., Director

Dr. Hale is the Director of MCSGME’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Program and an Associate Professor of Clinical and Translational Science at Mayo Clinic. She holds a PhD in Biomedical Engineering and is actively engaged in innovation and commercialization. Passionate about experiential learning and translational research, Dr. Hale leads the program with the goal of bridging the gap between innovative ideas and fundable execution to improve patient care.

Abdallah El Sabbagh, M.D., Co-Director of Academy

Dr. Abdallah El Sabbagh is the Director of the Cardiac Catheterization Fellowship at Mayo Clinic in Florida and an Associate Professor of Medicine. He specializes in structural heart interventions, including transcatheter valve procedures, paravalvular leak closures, and complex coronary interventions. His clinical focus also includes invasive hemodynamic assessments and the management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Dr. El Sabbagh is deeply involved in clinical research, particularly in the diagnosis and percutaneous treatment of mitral valve disease. He is passionate about advancing cardiovascular care through innovation, education, and translational research.

Abdallah El Sabbagh, M.D.

Aman Verma, D.O.

Aman Verma, D.O., Co-Director of Academy

Dr. Aman Verma is a Hospitalist and Internist at Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona. He serves as the Director of the Medicine Subinternship at the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine and holds multiple leadership roles, including Vice Chair of the Mortality Review Subcommittee and Co-Director of the Arizona Poster Committee for the American College of Physicians. He is passionate about mentoring, curriculum development, and advancing patient care through clinical excellence and educational leadership Dr. Verma was named Teacher of the Year by the Mayo Fellows’ Association and has received honors such as the Innovation Challenge Award and membership in Sigma Sigma Phi and Tau Beta Pi honor societies.

Tara Gruwell, M.H.I, Academy Coordinator

Tara Gruwell is the coordinator for the Innovation Academy. She holds a Master’s degree in Healthcare Innovation from Arizona State University and is passionate about creating an environment where innovative ideas can thrive. Tara manages the program inbox (MCSGMEInnEntrep@mayo.edu) and looks forward to answering your questions and guiding you through the application process.