Medical Breakthroughs: The Research Journey is a new podcast from Leeds Teaching
Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT), sharing the powerful and 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—through the voices of patients and researchers who are part of that journey.
Each episode offers a rare and moving insight into what medical innovation really means to those living through it. Listeners will hear from Michael Wright, a 64-year-old patient from York, who faced losing a kidney but whose life was saved by taking part in a pioneering clinical trial led by Professor Tze Min Wah. Another episode follows Susan, a
67-year-old woman 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. Other stories spotlight major progress in treating breast cancer, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and more.
Since April 2020, over 120,000 participants have been recruited into research studies across the Trust. Today, 1,413 active research studies are underway—ranging from early detection projects to personalised treatments—demonstrating the depth and ambition of the Trust’s research portfolio and its commitment to improving lives through research and innovation.
Through deeply human conversations, Medical Breakthroughs: The Research Journey brings to life the hopes, fears, and determination behind research progress. The series makes clear that research isn’t just about data and discovery—it’s about people, and the real difference innovation can make in their 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 will be available on all major podcast platforms from Wednesday 11 June 2025, with new episodes released weekly. You can visit our website to learn more about our research studies.
Views and experiences shared in this podcast belong to the individuals and do not
constitute medical advice. For medical advice please contact your pharmacist,
GP or dial 111. In an emergency please dial 999.
This podcast was recorded and produced by Under the Mast– creative audio productions and was presented by Caroline Verdon
