Medical Breakthroughs: The Research Journey is a compelling new podcast from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT), shining a light on the powerful, often emotional stories behind some of the UK’s most significant medical advances.
Launching on Wednesday 11 June 2025, the series explores how research transforms lives — told through the voices of the patients and researchers at the heart of it. Each episode offers an intimate glimpse into the human side of medical innovation. Listeners will meet people like Michael Wright, a 64-year-old from York whose life was saved through a pioneering kidney trial led by Professor Tze Min Wah, and Susan, 67, from Leeds, who was diagnosed with lung cancer after joining the Leeds Lung Health Check programme, an early detection initiative that helped her become cancer-free.
The series also highlights breakthroughs in breast cancer, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and more — revealing how cutting-edge research is changing lives, one story at a time. Since April 2020, more than 120,000 participants have taken part in research studies across Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. Today, the Trust is running 1,413 active research projects—spanning everything from early detection initiatives to cutting-edge personalised treatments. This breadth reflects the Trust’s deep commitment to advancing healthcare through research, innovation, and real-world impact.
Through powerful, human-centred storytelling, Medical Breakthroughs: The Research Journey captures the emotion, courage, and perseverance behind scientific progress. The podcast makes one thing clear: research isn’t just about numbers and breakthroughs — it’s about people, and the profound ways innovation can change lives.
Dr Ai Lyn Tan, Director of Research and Innovation at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said:
“This podcast is about more than research. It is about the people—patients, researchers, and healthcare staff — whose lives are touched by medical research every day. Their courage, resilience, and passion are what drive innovation forward. These are stories that deserve to be heard.”
Medical Breakthroughs: The Research Journey – Episode Summaries
Episode 1: Shattering kidney tumours without a scalpel.
Meet Professor Tze Min Wah, who performed the world’s first non-invasive procedure to destroy kidney tumours using sound waves, and Michael Wright, whose life was changed by it. Discover the science of histotripsy — and the story of a patient who came close to losing a kidney, only to walk away healthy and full of hope.
Episode 2: The scan that saved Susan’s life.
When Susan took up an invite for a lung health check, she didn’t expect to be told she had early-stage cancer. Now cancer-free, she shares her story alongside Professor Matt Callister and Suzanne Rogerson, as they explain how a mobile screening unit in Leeds is finding hidden cancers — and going national.
Episode 3: Saving lives before birth.
Mr Nigel Simpson shares how Leeds became one of the first hospitals to open a clinic dedicated to preventing preterm births. Discover how genetic testing at birth and anonymous health data is giving researchers new tools to support babies and their families — from day one.
Episode 4: AI and the Future of Breast Screening.
Join Dr Nisha Sharma as she explains how artificial intelligence is revolutionising breast screening. With a national role in reshaping screening guidelines, Dr Sharma discusses how AI is helping clinicians catch cancers earlier and save more lives.
Episode 5: Injectable chilli peppers to reduce pain.
Arthritis affects millions — but there’s hope. Professor Phil Conaghan shares some of the research that’s being done in Leeds into reducing pain- which includes the use of chilli peppers. He also shares how to keep your joints healthy, avoid knee pain, and improve your quality of life through early care and innovation.
Episode 6: Can an algorithm predict a stroke?
Dr Ramesh Nadarajah leads a groundbreaking trial using machine learning to detect signs of atrial fibrillation (AF) — a hidden heart condition that dramatically increases stroke risk. Hear how new tech is helping doctors intervene earlier, and what it could mean for the future of stroke prevention.
Episode 7: Vaccines that fight cancer.
Personalised cancer vaccines are no longer a dream. Professor Chris Twelves takes us inside the cutting-edge research happening in Leeds, where tailored treatments are being developed to train the immune system to fight cancer cells — with powerful, life-extending results.
Episode 8: Parkinson’s, augmented Reality, and a future at home.
Can high-tech glasses help people with Parkinson’s stay independent for longer? Professor Rory O’Connor and physiotherapist Caroline Gill explore the promise of augmented reality in rehabilitation — offering patients fewer hospital visits and more support at home.
Episode 9: Kidney transplants, diversity, and building trust.
Dr Sunil Daga opens up about the urgent need for more kidney donors, the rise in dialysis patients, and why research must better reflect the UK’s diverse communities. This episode explores how building trust and breaking down barriers can lead to more equitable care for all.
Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust is one of the UK’s largest teaching hospital trusts, widely recognised for its leading role in research and innovation. We are committed to advancing healthcare and improving patient outcomes through strong partnerships with academic institutions, industry leaders, and healthcare organisations.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, we delivered a wide-ranging research portfolio, with 22,275 participants recruited into 1,413 active research studies. Of these, 19,437 participants took part in studies on the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) portfolio.
With more than 25 dedicated research teams across our hospital sites, five NIHR Leeds Clinical Research Facilities, and the forward-thinking Innovation Pop Up, we are proud to lead high-quality clinical research and to foster a culture of research engagement among our staff.
Medical Breakthroughs: The Research Journey will be available on all major podcast platforms from Wednesday 11 June 2025, with new episodes released weekly. You can also listen directly at www.leedsth.nhs.uk
