Dr. Linda Ciavarelli, Delaware Top Doc 2025, Reflects on 20 Years in Practice (17 Years at Brandywine Podiatry) and the Future with HouseCall VR
I recently stepped away from Brandywine Podiatry after 17 years in practice, just as I was honored to be named a Delaware Top Doc 2025 by Delaware Today Magazine.
Thank You for 17 Years at Brandywine Podiatry
After 20 years serving my community in podiatric practice, 17 at Brandywine Podiatry, I did not expect my goodbye to come as quietly as it did. Although I am heartbroken that I was not able to say a personal goodbye to each and every one of you, know that I appreciate you and honor you. My heartfelt thanks go to the staff and other providers at Brandywine Podiatry for your thoughtful care and support.
From my first introduction to podiatry in Dr. Tom Hampton’s office in Charlotte, NC, I knew it was for me. I witnessed his busy practice serving people with humility and grace. He knew much more than their diagnosis. He knew their grandchildren’s accomplishments, he asked about their cruise to the Bahamas, he consoled them on the death of a spouse. That genuine human connection, built over decades of mutual care and respect, sealed the deal for me. “Sign me up,” I said, and off I went to podiatry school. That lesson about human connection has guided my entire career, and it continues to guide me now as I turn toward HouseCall VR.
Why I Am Stepping Away at the Top of My Career
Although it was a difficult decision, the time is right for me to step away and focus fully on HouseCall VR. My medical colleagues have just recognized me with the Delaware Top Doc 2025 award, and I am deeply grateful for that honor. I hope I can rise to it in a way beyond direct patient care.
Introducing HouseCall VR and Our Mission
Now I have the opportunity to impact not only the lives of those who walked through my doors, but a much wider audience. In this new endeavor my hope is to create something that brings meaning to the conversations people have with their doctors and healthcare providers. Each time I heard “Doc, in 20 years no one has ever explained it to me like that. I finally understand,” I felt the relief in your voice. When you asked, “Dr. Ciavarelli, why did no one explain it to me like that before,” I saw the missed opportunities to empower people with a clear understanding of their body and their condition. To give knowledge is to give agency. My hope is that HouseCall VR can give that agency far beyond where I practiced. If you have ever left an appointment unsure of what your doctor meant, this is why we built HouseCall VR. HouseCall VR creates short virtual reality patient education modules that explain health conditions in a simple, memorable way.
What’s Next in VR Patient Education
Looking ahead, my sadness at leaving direct patient care is matched by my excitement for what the future holds. HouseCall VR has launched our first suite of VR patient education tools. In our diabetes patient education modules (think “Magic School Bus meets WebMD”) you can step inside your body in virtual reality to experience what diabetes is, learn self management techniques, and see how diabetes medications work. Who knows, maybe you will have the chance to try it at your primary care office sometime soon? Next we are building modules for the top chronic conditions such as high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, as well as women’s health modules.
In closing, I am profoundly grateful for the last 20 years in practice, 17 of them at Brandywine Podiatry. To my patients, thank you for the trust of a lifetime. It has been my honor to have been entrusted with the health and wellbeing of every person who found their way to me.
To those curious about what is next, I invite you to follow HouseCall VR as we work to make patient education accessible to everyone.
Quick Q & A
Where is Dr. Ciavarelli now?
After 17 years at Brandywine Podiatry, Dr. Linda Ciavarelli is now CEO and co-founder of HouseCall VR. She leads the company’s work developing virtual reality patient education tools.
Is Dr. Ciavarelli still at Brandywine Podiatry?
No. She has stepped away from Brandywine Podiatry to focus full time on HouseCall VR and advancing patient education.
What is HouseCall VR?
HouseCall VR creates short virtual reality modules that explain health conditions in a simple, memorable way. The first suite focuses on diabetes education, with new content coming for chronic diseases like high blood pressure and kidney disease, as well as modules on women’s health.
Why did Dr. Ciavarelli leave private practice?
She loved caring for patients but saw many arrive at visits confused about their conditions. HouseCall VR was founded to close that gap and give patients knowledge and confidence through VR education.
