​In the debut episode of UHN’s new podcast series “Behind the Breakthrough,” we hear that as a girl Dr. Heather Ross (above at about age 10) liked to bring home stray animals and nurse them back to health - the first indication she was destined for a career in healthcare. (Photos: Courtesy Heather Ross; UHN)

UHN's new podcast, "Behind the Breakthrough," has received two nominations – "Outstanding Science Series" and "Outstanding Branded Series" – from the 2020 Canadian Podcast Awards.

An 11-episode podcast series that ran weekly through the fall of 2019, "Behind the Breakthrough" features one-on-one conversations with award-winning UHN researchers about their pioneering work. It also delves into the personal side of their lives, revealing their approach to everything from leadership and failure, to what it takes to be successful, and the motivations behind why they do what they do.

Launched in October 2019, the UHN-produced series takes a 360-degree view of a researcher's life. It delves into the motivations behind why they do what they do; the ah-ha moment that guided them to choose a career in health care; the perseverance needed to face the challenges and pressures of research; the resilience needed when they experience failure; and what keeps them going everyday, even in the face of doubts and long odds. 

It debuted with Dr. Heather Ross, Division Head of Cardiology at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre. Featuring a new researcher every week, the podcast aired every Tuesday until December 17. View the spodcast schedule and topics below.

To listen to the podcast, go to the Behind the Breakthrough webpage.