Sage Patanjali was an awakened being. His image is symbolically depicted as a half-snake, half-human. The snake represents awareness and alertness, which are so crucial for spiritual awakening. Yoga for Health and Happiness: focuses on incorporating authentic yoga as a daily practice. This includes the practice of physical postures (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation/deep relaxation (dhyana), and knowledge (gyana) primarily adopted from Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras.

Nick Shroff, MD, FACS, ERYT-500; Professor of Research & Teaching Faculty, VaYU

Nick Shroff is a board-certified urologist, cancer surgeon, healthcare consultant, and E-RYT500 certified CSA Level 3 Yoga Teacher. He practiced conventional Western medicine for over four decades and integrated modern therapeutic skills with complementary medicine. His work highlights how yoga, mindfulness, and restorative practices can enhance medical treatment and promote holistic health for patients and communities.

As President of the American Prostate Cancer Foundation, Dr. Shroff actively advances health outcomes for older adults and underserved communities through innovative initiatives and patient education programs.

Dr. Shroff has held numerous leadership roles across national and international organizations, demonstrating his dedication to community health. He co‑founded and chaired the Governing Board of the Integrated Accountable Care Organization (ACO), served as President of the Indian American Urological Association (2012–2014), and chaired the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI) Charitable Foundation. He is Director of Research & Development for the WHEELS Global Foundation Healthcare Advisory Committee. He serves on the Simmons Cancer Center Community Advisory Board in Dallas, Texas. He has been an active member of the Texas Medical Association (TMA) since 1977, leading initiatives that advance community health and professional development. 

Dr. Shroff has spent more than 40 years studying and teaching yoga with a focus on yoga nidra and restorative practices. His ongoing community efforts include sharing yoga as a tool for self‑awareness and healing, inviting renowned teachers to expand holistic offerings, and supporting well-being.

For the past six years, he has taught in‑depth Yoga Teacher Training Courses (YTTC) at JKyog, the Radha Krishna Temple, and the Prem Yoga Center. The program began as a 200‑hour training and expanded to a 500‑hour certification in 2024. His dedication to mentorship extends beyond yoga; he actively guides young scientists in Texas on research, innovation, and community service. In October 2025, he received an award recognizing his leadership in mentoring, yoga in medicine, and community engagement.

Most recently, Dr. Shroff’s book, Synergy of Yoga & Modern Medicine for Wholistic Health & Joyful Living, serves as an accessible and inspiring resource. It encourages practitioners and yoga enthusiasts to deepen their understanding and practice of wholistic well-being.

More information is available on the following websites: https://americanprostatecancerfoundation.com/

Nick Shroff, MD, FACS, ERYT
Prof. of Research & Teaching Faculty, VaYU
President, American Prostate Cancer Foundation

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sri Sri School of Yoga (SSY): The Sri Sri School of Yoga is founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a global humanitarian and thought leader in yoga and meditation who is fully established in the self. The School seeks to expand the world’s understanding of yoga through education and training that are steeped in the Vedas – the original roots of yoga – and a long lineage of masters while making yoga accessible and applicable for modern day use for people of all ages, abilities, cultures, and religions.

Suggested Links to Dr. Shroff’s articles. Please click on Hyperlink