De Bold began his career working at the
Queen's University in 1974, becoming a professor in 1985. In 1986, he became director of research at the
University of Ottawa Heart Institute, a position he held until 1993. The discovery also led to what was called the
Heart Hormone Patent Wars, with laboratories across the world racing to try and synthesize the hormone in what was considered the heart's hormone equivalent of
insulin, with the rationale that the hormone could be used to treat heart conditions and also, to diagnose heart attacks. Lacking partnerships with drug companies, De Bold and his team at
Queen's University found themselves at a disadvantage driving practical applications. Eventually, the team was able to synthesize the hormone.
Manning Innovation Awards Principal Award (1986),
Royal Society of Canada McLaughlin Medal in Medical Research (1988),
International Society of Hypertension Research Award (1990), CIBA Award of the
American Heart Association (1994), the
American Society of Hypertension Research Award, The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario included the discovery of ANP among its top ten research discoveries of the past fifty years. In 1992, he was appointed an officer of the
Order of Canada. In 2014, he was inducted into the
Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. == Personal life ==