Who is Rafael Ulysses? Meet the founder of MedCof USA

Who is Rafael Ulysses de Azevedo?

Rafael Ulysses de Azevedo is a physician who graduated from the University of São Paulo School of Medicine (FMUSP), and the founder and general coordinator of MedCof USA. His background combines medical education in Brazil, clinical experiences at Harvard and Michigan, surgical education research at Mayo Clinic, and previous general surgery residency positions at Mayo Clinic and New York University (NYU).

For students looking for USMLE preparation and guidance on a medical career in the United States, understanding who develops a course helps answer a practical question: whose experience will inform their learning?

As CTO of Grupo MedCof, I believe educational technology should serve carefully developed content and a real understanding of learners. That is where I see the value of Rafael's leadership: connecting Brazilian medical education with the questions that arise when planning a US medical career.

Medical education at USP and academic recognition

Rafael's institutional profile lists his FMUSP medical degree, first place for Medicine at USP in FUVEST 2011, and the Edmundo Vasconcellos Award, described as recognition for the top graduate in the Surgery discipline.

These milestones provide context for his approach to studying. For a learner, the more useful question is how knowledge becomes clear explanations, consistent practice and sound preparation decisions. Credentials provide background; educational work needs to show up in lessons, questions and support.

Harvard and Michigan: clinical experience during medical school

According to his institutional biography, Rafael completed hands-on clinical experiences, also described as clerkships, at Harvard Medical School and the University of Michigan.

In the August 2023 personal account supplied for this profile, he describes three surgical rotations at Massachusetts General Hospital and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston through an agreement with Harvard Medical School. He discusses learning alongside students, differences between healthcare systems and the international experience. The account comes from his professional Instagram profile.

This background offers context for discussing communication, cultural adaptation and the goals of clinical experience. A clerkship is not a degree or a faculty appointment at Harvard. Rafael's medical degree is from USP.

Mayo Clinic, NYU and surgical education

MedCof USA's biography reports a Post-doctoral Research Fellowship in Surgical Education at Mayo Clinic. It also lists previous PGY-1 General Surgery experience at Mayo Clinic and PGY-2 General Surgery experience at NYU. PGY refers to a postgraduate training year.

Research in surgical education connects medical knowledge with how it is taught and learned. Experience in US training environments also provides concrete context for discussing expectations and challenges.

His research record includes coauthorship of a 2019 paper on laparoscopic trocar insertion indexed in PubMed. That record documents participation in research; it is not an evaluation of the course's effectiveness.

The residency roles described here are previous positions. They do not establish a current appointment, completion of an entire residency or US board certification. They also do not imply institutional endorsement of MedCof USA by those universities or hospitals.

Why does this background matter for USMLE preparation?

Step 1 assesses the application of basic science to medicine. Step 2 CK assesses clinical knowledge applied to patient care under supervision. Their different purposes call for appropriate study decisions.

In my view, combining Brazilian medical education, international clinical experience and medical education research can make guidance more relevant to a learner's circumstances. It helps connect three questions:

• What do I need to learn? Organize foundations and reasoning alongside study materials.
• How do I turn studying into practice? Work through questions, review errors and identify gaps.
• How does preparation fit my background? Consider medical school stage, professional experience, English proficiency and US career goals.

Explore MedCof USA and compare the offering with your needs. Our guide to choosing Step 1 and Step 2 CK preparation provides criteria for that conversation.

Rooted in Brazil, relevant to a wider Latin American conversation

Rafael's Brazilian medical training provides a familiar starting point for Brazilian students and physicians who need to understand US terminology and training pathways.

For readers in Chile, Argentina and other Latin American countries, this blog also publishes in Spanish and English. A Brazilian physician's experience can inform useful questions, but each applicant must consider their own medical school, documentation, language needs and applicable requirements.

Translated articles do not mean every course activity or mentoring session is available in all three languages. Before enrolling, confirm the teaching language, scope of support and included content with the team.

Frequently asked questions

Is Rafael Ulysses the founder of MedCof USA?

Yes. He identifies himself as its founder in his professional profile and serves as the course's general coordinator, a role also identified on MedCof's institutional pages.

Did he graduate from Harvard?

His medical degree is from FMUSP. Harvard and Michigan relate to clinical training experiences. The Surgical Education research fellowship described here was at Mayo Clinic.

Is ECFMG Certification the same as a medical license?

No. The institutional material supplied for this profile describes Rafael as ECFMG Certified. ECFMG explains its certification and requirements; certification should not automatically be described as unrestricted licensure or specialty board certification.

Does the coordinator's background guarantee USMLE success or a Match?

No. It is one factor in assessing a teaching team. Individual outcomes depend on preparation, eligibility and selection processes. Also evaluate materials, support, access conditions and fit with your schedule.

Meet the people building your preparation

The educational authority we aim to build combines experience, clarity and responsibility toward learners. Rafael brings a background connecting Brazilian medicine with US training; our responsibility is to translate that experience into useful education.

Meet the MedCof USA specialists and talk with the team about your preparation.

By Matheus Jimenez Falzetta, CTO of Grupo MedCof. This is an institutional profile: the author belongs to the group offering the course. Biographical information draws on the cited institutional and personal materials, including records supplied for this article; it does not replace individual verification of professional credentials.