My philosophy is to develop an ongoing patient-physician relationship focused on comprehensive health care incorporating preventative care, chronic disease management, and treatment of acute illnesses and injuries.

As a family doctor, I am dedicated to treating the whole person. I aim to develop long-term relationships to understand each patient, and to provide continuing health care for the individual and family. I integrate care for patients of all genders and every age from newborns to seniors, and I advocate for the patient in our complex health care system. I have had the fortune to work as a general practitioner in New Zealand which allowed me to gain insight into alternative health care systems and approaches to preventative care and disease management. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, cooking, and reading.

As the Medical Director of Addiction Medicine at South Shore Health, I work to tackle the defining medical challenge of our time: Substance use and alcohol use disorder.

In addition to seeing adult patients at South Shore Hospital, I work with colleagues across South Shore Health to develop and implement a comprehensive addiction medicine treatment program. This program will connect patients with the resources they need to manage substance use disorder, no matter if they come to us through the Emergency Department, primary care, or another setting. Additionally, I serve as Medical Director for Spectrum Health System's opioid treatment program, ATS/detox, CSS, and therapeutic community in Weymouth.

Prior to my work at South Shore Health, I helped launch the Bridge Clinic at Boston Medical Center, which connected patients with treatment options for substance use disorder. I also served as Medical Director for Spectrum Health Systems’ Opioid Treatment Program in Weymouth.

In my spare time, I enjoy baseball, reading fiction, snowboarding, and cooking.

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.

I enjoy getting to know patients and treating the whole person. I focus on preventative care and supporting patients to reach their health goals.   

The doctor-patient relationship is at the center of your health care, and I strive to provide care that is collaborative and inclusive. I have a holistic approach, working with patients to treat the cause of medical problems, and reducing prescription medicines when it is safe to do so.   I am also pro-active, coordinating care and advocating for patients as they navigate the health care system. I enjoy caring for newborns, children, and family members of all ages, as well as helping with stress management and healthy lifestyle changes. 

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family and my extra-large dog, reading, running, cooking, and playing flute, piano and guitar.  

My focus is to provide high quality health care and excellent communication with my patients. 

I have worked clinically as a PA since 2014 in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, clinics, and subacute rehabs. This has provided me a deeper understanding of the healthcare system and the trajectory of the patient experience across multiple healthcare settings. Outside of work, I love music, traveling, and food.

Christopher Cannell DMSc, MPAS, PA-C practiced in acute care medicine including emergency medicine, orthopedic trauma, orthopedics, and hospitalist medicine.  He focuses holistically on the whole patient with an eye on wellness.

Dr. Cannell is a Doctoral Trained Physician Associate who as over 21 years of rich experience across the spectrum of healthcare including Emergency Medicine (CAQ advanced certification), Orthopedics (Sports, Hand, Trauma, Spine, and Joints), Critical Care, Urgent Care, and both Inpatient and Outpatient Internal Medicine. Dr. Cannell has played a pivotal role in program development and management, value-based care, and population health initiatives.  His leadership experience extends to roles such as ED department Lead APC, APC Director of large ambulatory practice, Hospital System Committee Member, program innovation, and PA/NP career ladder development. His healthcare dedication transcends beyond clinical practice, encompassing PA education, advocacy, leadership, and innovation.  

Dr. Cannell received his Doctor of Medical Science from the University of Lynchburg, his Master in Physician Assistant Studies from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences-Boston, and his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology/Pre-Medical from Muhlenberg College.

As the nurse practitioner navigator of the Lower Limb Preservation Team, it is my privilege to help patients with complex wounds navigate our healthcare system. We are dedicated to promoting prevention, maintenance, and treatment of acute or chronic wounds. Along with other dedicated providers, I strive to ensure that each patient is educated in the healing and disease process and understands prevention of wound re-occurrence. In my role, it is vital that each individual is connected with the right care at the right time to promote wound healing. With almost 20 years of experience it is my privilege to bring my skills, knowledge and hardworking ethics delivered with empathy to the South Shore Community.

Communication is the single most important tool in medicine which I try to achieve every day.

In my free time I enjoy cooking, spending time outdoors, and being with friends and family.