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Short Bio

Dr. Sue Varma is a multidimensional mental health expert: a board-certified psychiatrist, internationally recognized keynote speaker, author, and award-winning national medical commentator. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

She is the author of Practical Optimism, translated into a dozen languages, with launch appearances on TODAY, Good Morning America, and CBS Mornings. Her work has earned her two Sharecare Emmy Awards and 13 nominations. Global Citizen recognized her as one of its Top Five Health Experts for her pandemic work.

As the inaugural Medical Director of NYU’s World Trade Center Mental Health Program, she treated civilians and first responders after 9/11. Her advocacy for survivors earned her a Mayoral Proclamation. She has also collaborated with former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on public health initiatives.

Dr. Varma brings more than 20 years of clinical experience to her keynotes for corporations, healthcare systems, universities, and professional audiences, helping people put practical optimism into action and navigate stress with greater resilience.

Full Bio

Dr. Sue Varma is a board-certified psychiatrist in private practice with more than 20 years of experience and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New York University (NYU) Langone Health. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, the highest honor bestowed upon its members. Dr. Varma was the inaugural Medical Director and attending psychiatrist for the World Trade Center Mental Health Program at NYU Langone Health, treating civilians and first responders in the aftermath of 9/11. Her work earned her a Mayoral Proclamation for her advocacy on behalf of 9/11 survivors.

Dr. Varma is an internationally recognized keynote speaker, award-winning medical contributor, media advisor, and consultant to major networks and shows. She regularly appears on the Today Show, Nightly News, CBS Mornings, and Good Morning America, and has been interviewed by The New York Times, TIME, The Washington Post, NPR, and other leading outlets. She has participated in more than 3,000 media interviews. Her work has earned her two Sharecare Emmy Awards and 13 nominations. Global Citizen recognized her as one of its Top Five Health Experts for her pandemic work. She has also collaborated with former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy on public-health initiatives addressing loneliness, youth mental health, social media, technology, and parenting.

She is the author of Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being, which has been translated into a dozen languages and achieved the rare distinction of being launched across all three major morning shows: TODAY, Good Morning America, and CBS Mornings. 

Dr. Varma speaks to corporations, healthcare systems, universities and professional audiences and her practical approach to burnout prevention, resilience and thriving under pressure continues to resonate across healthcare, tech, education, fashion and the broader corporate world.