Board Certification: Radiation Oncology

Residency: Harvard Radiation Oncology Program, Radiation Oncology

Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine

Dr. Christopher Cannell is a doctoral-trained Physician Associate with over 22 years of multidisciplinary clinical experience in Emergency Medicine (CAQ-EM), Orthopedics, Critical Care, and Internal Medicine. He is nationally recognized for his leadership and expertise in healthcare quality, patient safety, and risk mitigation.  He is a frequent invited speaker on Provider Clinical Risk Management and a blogger for medical liability companies on these critical topics.

Dr. Cannell is a successful entrepreneur leading a six-figure consulting firm where he also trains and encourages other healthcare provider entrepreneurs to explore their passions, niches, and grow their own business.

Dr. Cannell has held key leadership positions including current President of PAs in Legal Medicine, Board of Directors for the Academy of Doctoral PAs and previously with Massachusetts Association of PAs, and Board Advisor for the SCUHS Doctor of Medical Science program. He has led clinical teams as an APC Director, Department Lead, healthcare system, program manager and thought leader and Chair of APC career letter committee, driving innovation in quality improvement, documentation, onboarding, population management, operations, and value-based care initiatives across health systems.  Created POCUS acute care program for PAs and NPs at the largest community hospital in Massachusetts in alignment with the department ultrasound director. 

Dr. Cannell is an experienced medical professional legal consultant (MPLC) and expert witness, certified through Auburn University and The Center for Legal Studies. He has over 8 years of experience providing expert witness and consulting services focused on clinical risk assessment, discovery, and standard of care.  His collaborative consulting work spans clinicians, legal teams, malpractice insurance consultants, executives, AI technology, and life sciences organizations.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Cannell serves as Assistant Professor Doctor of Medical Science Program at The University of Lynchburg, current adjunct faculty for the Doctor of Medical Science Program at Marshall B. Ketchum University and also previously with South College (Healthcare Law & Policy), and currently for Northeastern University School of Medical Sciences PA Program, and the Tufts School of Medicine PA Program. He is a subject matter expert in generative AI development, educational consulting for early career and transitional career NPs and PA’s, and interprofessional collaboration to advance the Quadruple Aim.

Dr. Cannell completed leadership training in Just Culture, High Reliability, as well as patient safety through the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). He earned his DMSc from the University of Lynchburg, MPAS from MCPHS–Boston, and BA in Pre-Medical Studies and Psychology from Muhlenberg College. He has done additional leadership training from AAPA from The Center for Healthcare Leadership and Management.

William Tollefsen, MD is the EMS and MIH Medical Director for South Shore Health. Dual-boarded in Emergency Medicine and EMS Medicine, Dr. Tollefsen works clinically as an Emergency Physician at South Shore Health in addition to his role as EMS Medical Director.

One of few physicians in the country to receive the prestigious "FAEMS" recognition, Dr. Tollefsen is also the Medical Director for OEMS Region IV, serving 61 cities and towns of the Metro-Boston EMS Council. As the current EMS Medical Director for eight municipal and three private ambulance services on the South Shore, Dr. Tollefsen interacts and provides oversight for over 400 Paramedics.

Dr. Tollefsen graduated from New York Medical College and completed residency training in Emergency Medicine at Harvard University, Brigham and Women's, and Massachusetts General Hospital. He completed a fellowship in Emergency Medical Services and Critical Care Transport at the University of Massachusetts, where he worked as an Emergency Physician and Flight Physician for UMASS LifeFlight. He completed an MBA at the Isenberg School of Management at UMASS Amherst, and holds a Master of Medical Science degree from the Boston University School of Medicine.

A former pre-hospital provider, he is actively involved in EMS system design, paramedic education and Critical Care Transport Systems. He works closely with multiple EMS, Fire and Law Enforcement agencies throughout Massachusetts.

His research interests include systems of care, resuscitation, airway management, and paramedic education.

It is truly an honor to participate in the care and lives of my patients. My passion is driven by the bonds I build with my patients over the course of their lives and the enjoyment and satisfaction I hold in treating them to be as healthy and pain free as possible. It is to the extent that I feel that  "I truly have the best job in the world."

I care for women throughout their lives—from adolescence through adulthood. I especially enjoy building long-term relationships and being with my patients through each step of their lives. From routine gynecological care to preconception, pregnancy, post-partum and menopause, I am here for my patient throughout her life. I chose OB/GYN as my specialty for the diversity of practice. It involves medical care, surgical care, and delivering babies. 

My parents inspired me—my father was a surgeon and my mother a nurse. I initially wanted to forge a different path and received my bachelor’s degree in Economics. I worked in financial public relations for a short while, but I kept coming back to what really interested me: medicine. I eventually went back to medical school to pursue my true passion. Outside of work, I love being outdoors—hiking, biking, boating, paddle boarding, and snowboarding. I also love to travel and spend time with my family and beloved dog and in quieter times enjoy reading and knitting.

I consider myself lucky to do something that I love. Children and teens are great at reminding adults about the little joys of life while also presenting us with various medical and behavioral challenges. I enjoy navigating these challenges with each family to find the right approach for their child. Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and three (lovable and challenging) children. I enjoy running with my dog, biking, swimming, skiing, and occasionally a good day of yard work. 

My treatment approach is centered around empowering individuals to take control of their own well-being. My focus is on providing a safe and supportive environment for my patients, enhance their self-awareness. My goal is to work collaboratively with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique  needs and goals.

I graduated from medical school in Eastern Europe. My OBGYN residency training took place in NYC at Maimonides medical Center. Outside of work, I love swimming and biking ; however, most importantly I love spending time with my family.

It is a privilege to help people and establish long-term relationships with my patients. I believe that everyone's medical care should be individually tailored. 

I grew up on the South Shore and attended Holy Cross for college where my concentration was pre-medical sciences and sleep research. During summers in college I worked as an EMT and following college I worked in a collaborative Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School lab studying allergy and asthma. While at the University of Massachusetts Medical School and Lahey Clinic my focus was on primary care internal medicine. In 2006 I was the recipient of the “Patient Care Award” which is Lahey Clinic’s highest physician honor. I joined South Shore Medical Center in 2006.

My mission is to relieve pain and suffering by healing patients' wounds as fast as possible.

I have been practicing plastic surgery with an emphasis on complex wounds since 1999.  In addition to providing advanced wound care, surgical treatment and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, I am passionate about educating the next generation of physicians and participating in research that will transform the science of wound care. As the Research Director, I coordinate and lead clinical trials of potential new wound  therapies, providing the opportunity for our patients to participate in their own community.