William Darrach popularized subperiosteal resection of the distal ulna for distal radioulnar joint dysfunction, a procedure also known as the Darrach procedure. He was also a major contributor to academic surgery and medical education, publishing at least 70 articles, most on the treatment of fractures. He was influential in organized medicine and served as Dean of the Columbia College of Physicians and Surgeons, Governor and Regent of the American College of Surgeons, President of the American Surgical Association, and President of the Association of the American Medical Colleges. His contributions to education, hand surgery, and fracture treatment methodology make him an important figure in medicine.