I strive to provide excellent care to my patients and to help them understand their conditions through education.

As a rheumatologist, my goal is to take care of my patients as individuals and to work together with them to find the most effective treatment plan. I am passionate about helping patients with rheumatologic conditions find relief with the therapies we have available today. Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis, exploring new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

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.

My goal as a physician is to help patients learn about the importance of following preventative measurements and living a well-balanced life to tackle many diseases before they become debilitating illnesses.

I am excited to be part of the South Shore Hospital Medicine team. I believe patient education and communication are the key components to provide the best possible care to all my patients. My training has helped me master the skills to provide evidence-based, culturally competent, and patient centered care to all my patients. It is my honor to be able to provide you the needed medical care while you are admitted to the South Shore Hospital.

Outside of work, I love hiking, painting, and exploring different places.

I joined the team in 2015 coming from years of experience as a floor nurse at a Boston-based city hospital. Many elements of my floor nurse practice included disease knowledge/management and wound management.

I enjoy collaborating with my fellow practice physicians to determine the best care options for our patients. In terms of wound care, the mechanisms we use to help a patient to heal are very much individually tailored. This requires that I really know my patient and their level of activity, what they do on a daily basis and any physical or psychosocial elements which can interfere with healing. Knowing my patient's personally helps me to tailor their care and determine elements which would be most effective for healing.

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.