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.

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.

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 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.