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.

Being a physician is an honor and a privilege I have enjoyed since graduating from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1979.  As my patients know I am interested in your life, your passions and the Orthopaedic issues that frustrate you and how I might be of assistance to you.  Surgery is not always a solution.

I take care of newborn infants and their great grandmothers.  In an era of sub-specialization, I am the "silver haired" General Orthopaedist but have maintained my surgical skills and remain confident in my abilities.  I have been fortunate to have treated multiple generations of my friends and neighbors here on the South Shore and work in a hospital committed to clinical excellence and compassionate care.

My philosophy is to provide quality evidence-based women’s healthcare in a setting that fosters mutual respect, shared decision-making and empathy.

At our office visit(s) I will focus on understanding your concerns and work with you to develop a diagnosis and management plan that is evidence-based yet tailored to your needs. You should expect to be treated with kindness, respect and privacy that everyone deserves.  I value your trust and understand that this must be earned.

My ideal day off would include spending time with my family, a good cup of coffee and mountain biking through the woods.  Sitting down for a few minutes to play the piano or guitar brings me joy.   We enjoy weekend trips to the Berkshires, NH and Maine for a change in scenery.

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.