My goal is to care for our patients as we would our loved ones: with expertise, compassion, and respect.

I grew up in the Chicago area and graduated from University of Chicago before moving to Boston for medical training at Boston University, followed by residency at Boston Medical Center.

I have been a hospitalist attending physician at South Shore Hospital since 2012. I married in 2006 and have two girls.

In my career as an emergency physician, I have gotten to take care of patients in both the usual emergency department setting as well as some other unusual environment. Regardless of the location, one thing remains the same - it is about the patient and the care they need at a time of medical crisis. I spend most of my time outside of work, still engaged in medicine with a variety of emergency response organizations as well as the military.

I went into family medicine in order to have long-term relationships with my patients, and I find this to be one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.  I enjoy working with patients of all ages and working together with multigenerational families.  Outside of medicine, my interests include running, biking, skiing, and travel.  Most importantly, I love spending time with my family.

I really enjoy working with the pediatric population. Kids are so energetic, willing to learn and eager to challenge themselves. The beauty of pediatric primary care is that one day is never the same, every child is so unique. There is always new knowledge to gain. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, running, swimming, and vacationing on Cape Cod. 

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 chose family medicine so that I could treat a wide spectrum of medical conditions and so that I could treat all ages, including newborns and multiple generations, in one family. This helps me to treat the whole person because knowing a person's social background is essential. I firmly believe that emotional and mental well-being are key factors in maintaining good overall health.

I grew up in Quincy and love living and working near my family and friends. I enjoy spending time at the beach, traveling to exotic places, going out dancing, skiing, cooking/baking, and following Boston sports teams.

I believe in the prevention of disease and the promotion of healthy lifestyles for all children through education and dedication to quality care.

I like to treat each patient and family as individuals. I enjoy earning their trust and getting to know them as well as helping to navigate their child’s successes and challenges. I take pride in making sure we have full and open communication in our visits and your visit never feels rushed. My mission is to provide our patients with the best and most comprehensive pediatric care possible from birth until 21 years of age. I adhere to the “Golden Rule” in my life and practice which is the principle of treating others as one wants to be treated. Outside of work I enjoy exercising, horse back riding, and spending time with my family. I am an avid animal lover and we have many animals in our family.

I enjoy the challenge of the diagnostic process of medicine, which is one of the many reasons I have chosen to work as a nocturnist, which is a hospital-based physician who works overnight. In my free time, I've been known to read books about the American Revolution and Colonial Period, or attend hard rock/metal concerts. Also, '90s music is in my head all of the time. 

It is such an honor and privilege to be a physician.  It has been especially gratifying to devote my career to the field of Hospital Medicine, and to work at South Shore Hospital to help serve my community. 

Being hospitalized is often one of the most challenging and frustrating experiences a person can have. As a Hospitalist, what is so rewarding is that I can use my training and abilities to make such difficult times for people more compassionate and less confusing. 

Outside of the hospital, I love spending time with my wife and young son and traveling.  I also love anything to do with the outdoors and enjoy running.