About

Alumni Spotlight: Ricardo Bilton ’17

 

Ricardo Bilton ’17 began his education at Graded as a K4 student in 2003. In high school, he was incredibly interested in economics and played soccer and futsal. As a senior, Ricardo enrolled in cursinho and, six months after graduating from Graded, was accepted into Einstein’s medical school. Now, after five years in the medical field, Ricardo plans on becoming a head and neck surgeon. 

In this month’s "Alumni Spotlight," Ricardo reminisces about his time at Graded and discusses his decision to pursue medicine. 

 

What were your favorite things about Graded? What was your favorite class? Were you involved in extracurricular activities?

While Graded's campus looked very different back then than it does now, its basic layout has remained unchanged. While at Graded, I always appreciated the open spaces that seemed to be tailor-made for socializing with classmates and teachers in between classes. Economics was by far my favorite school subject, and I was awarded the economics prize in my senior year. I was fortunate to have Mr. Altman as a teacher, and I really enjoyed discussing current events with him, such as recent elections and new economic policies, and predicting their long-term outcomes. These conversations helped me connect what I learned in class to the world at large.

Extracurricularly, I played on the Graded futsal and soccer teams. I took a break from athletics my senior year when I began cursinho (a preparatory course for the vestibular entrance exam* to Brazilian universities) after school. 

Ricardo as a JV soccer goalkeeper in 2014

 

You were accepted to medical school in Brazil. Why did you decide to apply, and how did you prepare yourself for the Brazilian university selection process? 

I think there is a widespread belief at Graded that if you want to get the best higher education possible, you should attend an American university. When I started high school, I had my sights set on studying economics at the University of Chicago, well-known for producing several Nobel prize-winning economists. 

My father recognized my interest in finance and business and began taking me to gatherings with a group of his friends who had all studied business with him at Fundação Getúlio Vargas (FGV). After meeting them, staying in Brazil seemed like a more appealing option, as I realized that graduating from a prestigious Brazilian institution could open many doors for me, too. I also valued the physical proximity I would have with my family if I stayed in the country. 

I set my sights on getting accepted into FGV and chose my IB classes accordingly. Then, just as I was about to begin my junior year at Graded, I started having intense anxiety attacks. I had always considered myself a calm person, so I felt completely overwhelmed dealing with these emotions. I started therapy to work through my anxiety, and one of the first things my therapist addressed with me was my steadfast desire to study economics in college. 

When I was younger, I often thought about studying medicine. Eventually, I strayed from the idea when I realized how long it would take me to begin practicing. I was also very apprehensive about how, as a doctor, I would have to deal with a lot of pain and suffering; I wasn’t sure I could handle it. 

Therapy helped me reconsider my future path. After some reflection, I recognized that my reasons for not pursuing medicine weren't strong enough to give up on the career, so I decided to apply to medical school.

At Graded, a small group of students in my graduating class planned to apply to Brazilian universities. Adriana Silveira (Dona Dri) offered us a lot of support and organized visits to several colleges. Since I was the only student applying to medical school (most of my classmates wanted to study business or economics), I felt somewhat alone. These feelings were heightened by the knowledge that the selection process for medical school is extremely competitive, so I enrolled in cursinho to prepare for the process.

 

Could you describe the admissions process to Einstein’s medical school?

Einstein's admissions process is divided into two parts. The first is fairly similar to the vestibular at most other schools: Applicants take an exam that assesses their knowledge of math, chemistry, physics, biology, literature, history, writing, and English. The exam includes multiple-choice, open-ended, and essay questions. 

The second part of Einstein's admissions process differs from that of other institutions. Applicants are required to participate in eight six-minute interviews, some of which are conducted in the traditional question-and-answer format, while others involve simulations in which the candidate interacts with an actor who plays the role of a patient. During these scenario-style interviews, examiners assess each aspiring physician on composure, ethics, and capacity to work on a team. 

In one of my interviews, I was instructed to play the role of a concerned teenager in a hospital waiting room, anxiously anticipating news about a friend who had a sprained ankle. When I entered the interview room, the examiner watched me from a corner while another man, a middle-aged actor, sat solemnly in the simulated waiting room. As soon as I took a seat beside him, he began sobbing. Through snivels and whimpers, he told me that his daughter had just been admitted to the hospital in an alcohol-induced coma. He then proceeded to rage at my aimless generation, blaming our flawed values for his daughter’s predicament. I was at a loss for words, but I did my best to console him despite my discomfort. 

My Graded education significantly aided my performance in these interviews. Graded students are constantly asked to share their ideas with the class, argue for and against various points of view, and deliver presentations to large audiences. Those experiences taught me how to stay calm in challenging circumstances and how to think quickly on my feet. 

Ricardo and his father on the first day of school in 2003 

 

What differentiates Einstein’s medical school from other schools in São Paulo? 

Einstein has been repeatedly recognized as the best hospital in Latin America and one of the top hospitals in the world. As a result, some of my professors are among Brazil's most accomplished doctors, and they serve as excellent role models for students. Being a good doctor involves far more than just medical expertise; exceptional physicians demonstrate compassion and a capacity for empathy. (Patients are frequently seen by doctors when they are in their most vulnerable states, and these patients are often unaware of their options and rely on medical professionals for guidance and support.) I have learned so much about showing compassion from observing my professors navigate difficult conversations and situations. 

Another characteristic that sets Einstein Medical School apart is that its students do not learn anatomy using cadavers. Despite the fact that we manipulated and dissected some organs in class, I was concerned that my education would be hindered by our lack of experience with real and complete human bodies. I changed my mind after seeing some of the cadavers used at other schools. The corpses were sometimes years old, and the organs and structures preserved in formaldehyde in years-old cadavers do not closely resemble those in living bodies. I realized that the materials we used at Einstein were ultimately more useful.

 

What have been the most impactful moments in your medical career to date? 

Einstein is responsible for two SUS (public) hospitals in partnership with the government: Hospital do M'Boi Mirim and Hospital Municipal Vila Santa Catarina. Most of our rotations are completed in these two hospitals, and I distinctly recall my first visit to the ER at M'Boi Mirim. I was there to evaluate neurology patients, and when I walked into the emergency room, I was completely taken aback by my surroundings. The room was filled with people who had suffered heart attacks, gunshot wounds, and strokes. Some patients were comatose. I was unnerved by the loud beeping of several monitors and utterly overwhelmed by the amount of anxiety, fear, and pain that was packed into one room. This scene was especially impactful because I was still fresh out of high school and had not yet had any exposure to such an environment. 

I have also been deeply affected by some of my patients. One patient who profoundly impacted me first arrived at the hospital seeking medical care for gastrointestinal issues. When we examined her, we found two large masses in her neck and forehead, each the size of a golf ball. She had been experiencing symptoms for well over a year. Still, she hadn’t consulted a doctor because her condition had been manageable up to that point. 

This patient had advanced medullary thyroid cancer that had spread to her pelvic bones, central nervous system, and liver. Her life expectancy was anywhere between a few weeks and a few months, and there was no way to cure her. We provided her with palliative care and alleviated some of her symptoms before dismissing her (she had requested to go home). As the medical intern assigned to her case, I was distraught. Then, about two weeks later, I heard that she had been readmitted because she was unable to eat and too weak to stand. She died a few days later. 

 

What are your career plans? 

Two of the medical career paths I am considering are clinical work and surgery. Although I enjoy and highly value clinical work, I am more drawn to the surgical path. I am applying for a general surgery residency and hope to become a head and neck surgeon.

I have participated in many surgeries, and the ones that intrigue me the most are those involving the head and neck. Some of these procedures are incredibly delicate and intricate and reveal some of the most beautiful parts of human anatomy. (As soon as the skin on the neck is incised and pulled back, the structures beneath it are immediately recognizable; the pattern of exposed veins, muscles, and nerves almost looks like a painting.) 

 

In what ways did your Graded education help prepare you for your medical studies? 

One of the most valuable skills I acquired at Graded was English fluency. Doctors rely on the language since medical journals worldwide publish articles in English. Since most of my studies are based on these articles, my good command of the English language has been invaluable.

At Graded, I also learned to communicate effectively in different settings and situations. I was frequently asked to present and defend arguments and participate in debates. These exercises shaped me into the person I am today, and I feel very comfortable interacting with others, even if our opinions differ. Many of my colleagues feel embarrassed or nervous when addressing patients, but I don't hesitate to speak with patients or inquire about their medical history.

Ricardo and his friend Gabriel E. (left) at a K5 school sleepover

 

What have you learned about yourself while working as a doctor? 

Doctors usually have demanding schedules and low wages when they start their careers. After a long stint in medical school, it takes young physicians several more years to specialize and solidify their reputation. At first, this long academic path made me restless; I was eager to establish myself as a financially-independent and capable professional. But over the years, I became much more appreciative of how rich my experience has been thus far. Although I am only in my fifth year of medical school, I have already had the opportunity to work on incredibly fascinating cases. I can only imagine what is yet to come. 

Ricardo and his girlfriend, Isa M., at the Big 4 tournament in 2014

 

Ricardo and his parents on his ninth birthday in 2008

 

*Some Brazilian universities have started accepting IB and SAT scores in lieu of the traditional vestibular. Einstein’s medical school, for instance, now admits students with an IB score of 40 or higher past the first part of the admissions process. ESPM, FAAP, FGV, INSPER, INTELI, and Mackenzie are some of the other universities that accept IB scores, SAT scores, or both. 

 


 

GRADED NEWS

Play and Pause Buttons for Slideshow