David Alexander Draffin: An Irish ENT Surgeon and Inventor

David Alexander Draffin was an Irish ENT surgeon and inventor of the internationally famous ENT instrument used in tonsillectomy, which carries his name and is called Draffin’s rods. His story is not as well-known as his eponymous ENT instrument and this article attempts to shed a light into his life. He studied in Queen’s University in Belfast and was a medical officer in World War II. During that time, he demonstrated great courage and spirit. On his return from the war, he worked in many hospitals as an ENT surgeon and published multiple articles. His career was an unconventional one though, since due to multiple extracurricular activities he never became a consultant! He was actually struck off the medical register for drink-driving charges just a little before his early death. His life was evidence of his bravery, innovative spirit and mischief and his legacy shaped the way tonsillectomies are done to this day.