Top 5 Topics:

- The Post-Match Process → Landed a 6-Year Oral Surgery Residency Spot in Just Days After Match-Day

- How to Crush the CBSE (Took It 3 Times & Finally Killed It)

- 7 Externships, Elite Mentors & The Real Way Into Oral Surgery

- Why Top Oral Surgery Programs Are Going Unmatched in 2026

- The Post-Match Scramble: Offers in Hours, Turning Down Programs, Non-Cat Info

Quotes & Wisdom:

“During residency you have 6 years where you’re not gonna be able to take that vacation or visit that family member… That’s why right now, less is better. Enjoy your time.” — Brendan (04:33)

“I thought I did everything right. Statistically I was supposed to match, but I didn’t. You just have to stay calm, cool, and collected and everything will work out in the end.” — Philip Evalen (post-match reflection)

“Don’t just have 30 extracurriculars just to have them. Stick with the things that are actually important to you.” — Philip Evalen (07:13)

“The CBSE is kind of what gets you through the door. Then it’s really how you present yourself… Can I spend 4-6 years with this person?” — Philip Evalen (07:13)

“On an externship, I don’t need it to be hands-on. I’d rather just learn about the program and picture: do I see myself going here for 4-6 years?” — Philip Evalen (12:47)

“After I post-matched I basically took on this philanthropist role of just trying to help people… because that private practice guy helped me so much.” — Philip Evalen (40:07)

Questions:

(05:57) “What are some of the elements that you would say were crucial for getting into residency?”

(07:13) “How did you find your mentor? What was your mentor — an oral surgeon? Were they something else? Did they work solely academics? Was it a private practice?”

(11:41) “How many places did you extern at and did they come from your list?”

(13:20) “What were some of the materials or things that helped you increase that CBSE score?”

(23:20) “What did you do for letters of recommendation?”

(28:36) “Can I ask how many places you interviewed at?”

Now available on:

- Dr. Gallagher’s Podcast & YouTube Channel

- Dose of Dental Podcast #231

My watch in this episode = Tag Heuer Aquaracer Calibre 16 Chrono

- 5.2026