Caravella in 1963 became interested in medicine while studying chemistry at the University of Dayton. He has practiced over thirty years in many medical arenas, including military medicine, medical education, medical research, medical administration, physician recruitment, solo practice, group practice, and most recently as a family physician with The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, a world class medical center. As a family physician he has treated over 10,000 patients in quitting smoking, and is an expert in preventive health care.