Sue Varma, MD, the first medical director treating first responders and civilians for PTSD, depression, and anxiety at the World Trade Center Mental Health program (WTC MHP), made a fascinating discovery: she realized that fostering an optimistic mindset firmly grounded in reality is crucial for making wise and reasonable decisions. In her debut book, Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being, Dr. Varma blends philosophy, personal experiences, and the latest research in psychology, psychiatry, medicine, and neuroscience to guide readers on a path toward resilience and personal growth.

Optimists tend to achieve more success, report higher incomes and job satisfaction, adopt healthier habits, build stronger relationships, and experience greater overall life satisfaction, ultimately leading to increased happiness. Practical optimists are resourceful, realistic, and thoughtful problem solvers who possess something of rare value: the inner resources to cope during a crisis and to use as fuel to flourish. Practical optimism is a transformative approach to experiencing greater meaning, mastery, and acceptance.

Dr. Varma is a distinguished psychiatrist and cognitive behavioral therapist based and holds the position of Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New York University Langone Health. Her accomplishments have been recognized by the American Psychiatric Association, where she was named a Distinguished Fellow, the highest honor bestowed upon its members.

Dr. Varma will be in conversation with Tara Lipinski, the internationally acclaimed American figure skater. At the 1998 Winter Olympic Games in Nagano, Japan, Lipinski became the youngest female to capture the Olympic gold medal in figure-skating. She now has new roles as a sports commentator, an actress, a documentary film producer, a philanthropist, and more.

This event suitable for youth 12+. It will be recorded and available on FAN’s website and YouTube channel.

BONUS AFTER-HOURS EVENT: Attendees who purchase a copy of Practical Optimism from FAN’s partner bookseller The Book Stall are invited to attend an AFTER-HOURS event hosted by Varma and Lipinski that will start immediately after the webinar. Details on the webinar registration page.