Before becoming a midwife, I was a labor and delivery nurse at South Shore Hospital for 14 years. Women's health is my passion, and it is a privilege to return as a provider. I am honored to care for women during pregnancy, labor, birth, and throughout the lifespan. My care focuses on a team approach with the patient as the leader. Beyond midwifery, I enjoy hiking and yoga and love being a mom most of all.     

I grew up in southern Maine and attended Harvard University for my undergraduate education. While at Tufts University School of Medicine and Mount Auburn Hospital in Cambridge, my focus was on primary care medicine. I believe in the dignity of each of my patients. Respect, compassion, and reliability are among my goals in patient care. In my free time, I enjoy the outdoors and the arts, usually in the company of my family. 

My philosophy is to listen carefully, ask the right questions, and offer my expertise within the scope of my skills.

I was born in New York City to immigrant Latino parents. Yes, I root for the Yankees, of course!

Outside of work, I enjoy physical fitness and spending time with my family. 
 

I have been a physician's assistant in women’s health for close to 30 years on the South Shore. I enjoy seeing women in their many phases of life. I feel privileged when patients I met at the start of my career bring their daughters and granddaughters in to see me for their care. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family.

My treatment philosophy is to provide high quality, compassionate, and patient centered care.

Throughout my career at BU Medical Center and South Shore Health, I have divided my time between healthcare administration and direct patient care. Administratively, I have focused on medical education, patient safety and quality improvement. However, my true passion for medicine is driven by the bonds I build with my patients and caring for them throughout life. 

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.

Establishing a good patient-physician relationship is crucial to help provide the best care. I believe in allowing ample time in a visit to listen to my patients' needs and thoroughly explain their diagnosis and treatment plan. Most podiatric issues can be treated with aggressive conservative therapy, although when surgical intervention is necessary, I will communicate that to the patient in a direct and concise manner. 

Having grown up on the South Shore, it is a pleasure to care for patients of this region. I served in the US Navy following medical school and completed my surgical training through the Navy. Following multiple military assignments, I chose to return to the area in order to serve my local community and reside closer to my family. 

My mission as an emergency department physician is to provide timely and excellent care to patients while helping them through what are likely very stressful and difficult emergency situations.

I grew up in southern New Hampshire and attended Providence College in Rhode Island. I then obtained my MD at the University of Connecticut. I completed my emergency medicine residency at the University of Cincinnati and while I loved the Midwest, I always planned to come back to New England and was happy to move to the South Shore. In my free time I enjoy hiking, skiing, and spending time with family and friends.

I strive to build a space where patients feel safe to discuss their health concerns and engage in shared decision-making.

Prior to joining South Shore Health, I had the privilege to train at UMass Family Medicine Residency and complete an additional year of fellowship to also care for patients living with HIV/viral hepatitis at the Family Health Center of Worcester.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my family, running, gardening, and camping/hiking.