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.

Being a member of South Shore Health anesthesia department is personally and professionally rewarding. I believe having high standards of care allows for a safe and effective patient experience.

I received my undergraduate nursing degree from Boston College and my masters in anesthesia from Northeastern University. Practicing in the Boston area has been important to me as my children grow. We enjoy our friends and family as well as skiing, soccer and the outdoors.

My goal is to communicate effectively with patients so they have the understanding to make informed decisions for their own health. It is very humbling to work in a field that involves caring for others. I am continually inspired by my patients and the ability grow a patient-provider relationship over time.  As health care professionals, patients are the focal point of all that we do. Outside of work I enjoy being active outdoors, playing piano, and spending time with loved ones.