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. 

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 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.

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. 

I like to tailor treatment plans based on an individual characteristics. Communication is key and I like to get the patient involved in the decision making. I think this facilitates trust and when patients have trust in their provider, they are  able to manage, treat, and prevent diseases more effectively.

I graduated from Quinnipiac University PA program in August 2005, and started my career as a Primary Care PA. I later transitioned to Urgent Care. I have been practicing as an Urgent Care PA for over a decade and love it. My hobbies include biking, hiking, yoga, exercising, traveling and spending time with my family.

I chose to become a primary care physician because I cherish the long-term relationships I establish with my patients. I enjoy taking care of patients of all ages and families at all stages of their lives. I believe listening is as important as speaking. I see my role as an educator, sharing my knowledge and helping patients translate that into healthy habits for the prevention and management of chronic illness. 

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling near and far with my husband and three children.

Dr. Christopher Cannell is a doctoral-trained Physician Associate with over 22 years of multidisciplinary clinical experience in Emergency Medicine (CAQ-EM), Orthopedics, Critical Care, and Internal Medicine. He is nationally recognized for his leadership and expertise in healthcare quality, patient safety, and risk mitigation.  He is a frequent invited speaker on Provider Clinical Risk Management and a blogger for medical liability companies on these critical topics.

Dr. Cannell is a successful entrepreneur leading a six-figure consulting firm where he also trains and encourages other healthcare provider entrepreneurs to explore their passions, niches, and grow their own business.

Dr. Cannell has held key leadership positions including current President of PAs in Legal Medicine, Board of Directors for the Academy of Doctoral PAs and previously with Massachusetts Association of PAs, and Board Advisor for the SCUHS Doctor of Medical Science program. He has led clinical teams as an APC Director, Department Lead, healthcare system, program manager and thought leader and Chair of APC career letter committee, driving innovation in quality improvement, documentation, onboarding, population management, operations, and value-based care initiatives across health systems.  Created POCUS acute care program for PAs and NPs at the largest community hospital in Massachusetts in alignment with the department ultrasound director. 

Dr. Cannell is an experienced medical professional legal consultant (MPLC) and expert witness, certified through Auburn University and The Center for Legal Studies. He has over 8 years of experience providing expert witness and consulting services focused on clinical risk assessment, discovery, and standard of care.  His collaborative consulting work spans clinicians, legal teams, malpractice insurance consultants, executives, AI technology, and life sciences organizations.

A dedicated educator and mentor, Dr. Cannell serves as Assistant Professor Doctor of Medical Science Program at The University of Lynchburg, current adjunct faculty for the Doctor of Medical Science Program at Marshall B. Ketchum University and also previously with South College (Healthcare Law & Policy), and currently for Northeastern University School of Medical Sciences PA Program, and the Tufts School of Medicine PA Program. He is a subject matter expert in generative AI development, educational consulting for early career and transitional career NPs and PA’s, and interprofessional collaboration to advance the Quadruple Aim.

Dr. Cannell completed leadership training in Just Culture, High Reliability, as well as patient safety through the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). He earned his DMSc from the University of Lynchburg, MPAS from MCPHS–Boston, and BA in Pre-Medical Studies and Psychology from Muhlenberg College. He has done additional leadership training from AAPA from The Center for Healthcare Leadership and Management.

My goal is to use my experience and training to provide personalized OB/GYN care to women to achieve healthy pregnancies and lifestyles.

I knew at the age of 5 that I wanted to be a doctor. All of my life choices have led me here. I could never see myself in any other career. It is a privilege to support and guide my patients through their hardest times, while also experiencing the joy of their happiest times. I love to tailor their medical care to them as individuals, focused on their needs and lifestyles to achieve the best outcomes. Personally, I enjoy spending tune with my family and friends, entertaining and traveling.

My career started in the US Army and it was a privilege to serve and care for women in the military and their family members while training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and then stationed overseas in Germany for 4 years. I returned to the South Shore area since this is home and have been been fortunate to raise my family and to practice here since 2002. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to care for the women in our community. Although I transitioned to a more administrative role, I continue to practice obstetrics and gynecology here in the hospital and will continue to strive to offer the best care to patients through open communication and strong relationships.

Liana MacDonald is a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. She graduated from Regis College with a Master of Science in Nursing in 2020. She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts Boston in 2016 and began her nursing career in the Emergency Department. She has been working as a Labor and Delivery nurse since 2019.

Liana is passionate about health equity and eliminating the gap in care amongst different races and ethnicities. She is proud of her focus on adolescent health, substance use disorders in pregnancy, and trauma-informed care.  

When not at work, Liana can be found spending her time with family, friends, and her rescue dog. She loves to travel to new cities and countries and learn about different cultures. She also loves to give back to her community.