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. 

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.

My philosophy is to provide quality evidence-based women’s healthcare in a setting that fosters mutual respect, shared decision-making and empathy.

At our office visit(s) I will focus on understanding your concerns and work with you to develop a diagnosis and management plan that is evidence-based yet tailored to your needs. You should expect to be treated with kindness, respect and privacy that everyone deserves.  I value your trust and understand that this must be earned.

My ideal day off would include spending time with my family, a good cup of coffee and mountain biking through the woods.  Sitting down for a few minutes to play the piano or guitar brings me joy.   We enjoy weekend trips to the Berkshires, NH and Maine for a change in scenery.

My goal is to provide patients with a deep understanding of their problem and work together to get the best results possible. 

What I love about orthopedic surgery is the ability to make a profound impact on the quality of life of my patients. No two shoulders are the same, so I think it is crucial to spend time talking with patients to understand their presentation and come up with a treatment plan. Technology is ever evolving and I think it is important to integrate that into my practice to ensure great outcomes. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family and going to the beach.