Denis Burke Drennan, M.D., a leader in orthopedic surgery and author of dozens of U.S. and international patents for medical devices, passed away on April 6, 2023, at the age of 85.
Drennan served as the chairman of the department of orthopedic surgery at Saint Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois, from 1984 to 2000 and was a faculty member at Northwestern University School of Medicine, also in Evanston, from 1977 to 2010.
He was an active member of the staff at Saint Francis Hospital from 1971 to 2001 when he was given emeritus status. Drennan frequently published his research and is the author of dozens of patents for medical devices, including the Heelift Suspension Boot.
Drennan also founded DM Systems, Inc., which provided solutions for pressure injuries, and served as the company’s president for more than 40 years. Drennan was also a member of the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel.
Dr. Drennan earned his medical degree from Loyola University in 1963 and then did his internship at Saint Francis Hospital between 1963 and 1964. He completed his residency between 1966 and 1970 at Northwestern University in Cook County, Illinois.
Drennan was born on August 12, 1937, and grew up in the Chicago area. He attended St. Ignatius High School, graduating in 1955. He completed his undergraduate degree at Notre Dame University in Notre Dame, Indiana, and after graduating in 1959, he decided to embark on his long career in medicine.
He served in the Vietnam war from 1964 to 1966 as a captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps. For his exemplary service, he was awarded the Bronze Star in 1966.
“A devout Roman Catholic, his family was everything and he always made sure that his loved ones were taken care as the generous benefactor of our family and community,” his family wrote.
He is survived by his wife of 58 years Barbara Maria Drennan née Jarabak, sons Joseph, Michael (Jennifer Brand), and John (Melissa) Drennan. Grandchildren Harley, Angel, Brandon, Lois, Hunter, and Noelle and great-grandfather to Grant and Gwen Graham.
