Directed Immersive Programs at Global Scale
Managed multimillion-dollar XR initiatives across healthcare, academia, and philanthropy—aligning teams and budgets to deliver outcomes in empathy-building, education, and community engagement.
Medical Avatar’s “Healthy Selfie” for Underserved Communities
A wellness platform powered by XR and AI that helps people with chronic conditions visualize and achieve their health goals
Outcomes
- 75% of participants reduced A1C out of 77,942 total members
- 98% engagement rate with quarterly retention exceeding the company’s wellness program benchmarks:
– 65% first quarter
– 50% second quarter
– 45% third quarter
– 40% fourth quarter - 28% overall adherence improvement for patients taking A1C medications
- 3:1 ROI (Colorado State University study, 19,538 participants)
U.S. Patent No. 10037820
- System and Method for Managing Past, Present, and Future States of Health Using Personalized 3-D Anatomical Models
- Virgil Wong and Jessica Lacson, Inventors
- Granted by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on March 12, 2013
- Patent Listing
Virtual Near-Death Experience
An XR experience that reduces the fear of death which drives human conflict and promotes healthier, more compassionate views of life and mortality
Virgil Wong and Daniel Ryan created the Virtual NDE as artists-in-residence with the International Association for Near-Death Studies (IANDS), a global non-profit organization.
The 2024 Annual IANDS Conference in Phoenix, Arizona, featured the Virtual NDE as an immersive experience for all participants.
Weill Cornell Medicine’s Environmental Geriatrics
A grant-based XR project to train caregivers of seniors with cognitive and mobility issues and vision-impairment
This XR training module helps caregivers see how a home environment can appear to a person with cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy (at different levels of severity). The caregiver can then make adjustments in the space to avoid falls and help with mobility and navigation.
The Environmental Geriatrics course includes dozens of XR modules to help caregivers better empathize with seniors while optimizing their living spaces. Virgil led the digital/XR team (including Josh Hester, designer, and Mike Sachs, PM), collaborating with Rosemary Bakker, Research Associate in Gerontologic Design at Weill Cornell Medicine.
XR Skullbase Neurosurgery Training
A haptic, mixed-reality surgical training and interactive virtual dissection
This XR system simulates skull base neurosurgery procedures, including haptic feedback and assessment of surgical performance. It has trained 200 neurosurgeons from 57 countries via the skull-base fellowship, combining cadaveric work and VR simulation. Virgil led the team supporting Dr. Antonio Bernardo with digital services for this program.
Outcomes
- +58.8% average skills improvement
- +80.4% improvement in skull-base navigation
- 98.5% would recommend the program
- High school and college students from underserved communities inspired to pursue medical and surgical careers
Upcoming Course | Created and Taught by Virgil Wong
Immersive Narratives in VR/AR
“The most impactful potential of virtual reality (VR) is not mere novelty or entertainment; immersive multimedia can fundamentally transform our point of view and understanding of the world around us. In this course, we will explore how VR is being utilized as a powerful storytelling tool to evoke visceral sensations of presence and place, address social and political issues, and promote meaningful changes in both individuals and communities. We will focus on how VR can foster empathy for others by simulating their experiences and realities, and connect us to people’s lives that we may never have otherwise imagined.”
Program Management Leadership
Virgil leads cross-sector XR and immersive-media programs that expand empathy, equity, and access through technology. His leadership spans strategy through execution—bridging creators, technologists, and funders to deliver measurable cultural and social impact. He has:
Unified Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration
Led multi-stakeholder initiatives; ensured alignment and fostered collaboration across teams and partners to translate vision into measurable reach and impact across projects and grants.
Scaled Ethical and Accessible XR Practices
Developed frameworks for equity, accessibility, and ethical storytelling in immersive media; ensured inclusive participation, responsible data use, and alignment with ESG and DEI goals.
Advanced Field Building and Thought Leadership
Presented at major conferences; mentored emerging XR creators through academic and nonprofit programs, expanding awareness of XR’s transformative potential for social change.
XR Program Growth Surpassed Impact Targets
“At HGS, Virgil’s leadership as Chief Digital Officer exceeded expectations—expanding reach, deepening engagement, and achieving measurable social and financial impact.”
Annual program revenue and partnerships exceeded targets by 10%, delivering a 6:1 ROI and demonstrating how creative strategy, ethical innovation, and team alignment can translate vision into sustained growth. Virgil also served as the Global Lead for the LGBTQIA+ ERG.
Total Annual Revenue Supported
XR/Digital Practice Growth (Revenue)
Leading XR for Social Good
Building Programs that Inspire Connection and Change
Virgil Wong brings 25+ years of experience directing cross-sector XR programs that blend creative vision with operational excellence. With a proven record in leadership, grantmaking, and immersive storytelling, he is helping communities expand empathy, equity, and impact through the power of immersive media.
