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. 

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.

My goal is to provide compassionate and equitable medical care to patients seeking care for breast-related concerns, including but not limited to breast lumps, abnormal screening mammograms, benign breast masses, and previous or current breast cancer diagnoses. 

I am a graduate of the Tufts University School of Medicine Physician Assistant and Masters in Public Health dual degree program. I have been working at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Brigham & Women’s Hospital Division of Breast Surgery since June 2021.

It is my priority to provide care to patients that is skilled and supportive. I strive to accommodate a patient’s unique and individual needs such that all patients feel cared for and well-informed. I have professional interests in patient-oriented outcomes research and have studied coping and psychosocial wellbeing among adolescents and young adults with cancer. I am originally from Western Massachusetts, and my hobbies include hiking, skiing, and spending with family, friends, and my dog.  

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.