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 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. 

Being trusted as a physician to treat patients', sometimes life threatening, medical conditions is a privilege and responsibility I thrive to honor every day. Helping hospitalized patients and their families to cope with changes during these stressful times is crucial to achieve better medical outcomes and to improve the well-being of the community as a whole. 

Outside of work, I like to watch soccer, Crossfit training, travel the world and take photographs. 

My goal is to establish open communication with patients so we can work together on taking ownership of their health and wellness.

I enjoy the meaningful relationships I have built and the inspiration I draw from patients every day in clinic. A healthy dialogue is an important part of the provider-patient relationship. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, writing, and staying active outdoors.

My mission is to help patients find out their disease, assist in curing it and live healthy life.

With compassionate care, I love to help people come out of their suffering. I believe that every individual is different so we should respect them and treat appropriately. Good communication is always very crucial. During my free time I love to listen music, play guitar. Also, I like meditation, yoga/ pranayam. However, most importantly I love spending time with my family.

Having sustained a major trauma or having undergone any kind of surgery (major or minor) can be extremely stressful. I often find myself treating patients and talking with families when they are often feeling at their worst. This is the time when I feel my warm personality and compassion can be the biggest contributors to alleviating some of that stress and anxiety. Outside of my practice, I prefer to spend time with my family enjoying the splendors of the South Shore.

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.

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. 

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.