The root of the word “doctor” originated from the latin word docere, which means to teach. My philosophy as a doctor is to teach and educate my patients on their conditions and general health.

I love to learn and, therefore, I chose being a doctor as my profession. Being a physician means a life time of learning about diseases and medicine, but more importantly, I get to learn the story behind each of my patients.

Outside of work, I love to learn to sail, and flying. I am also an avid rock climber, hiker, and traveler.

My aim is to empower patients with shared, informed decision-making.

I feel grateful to work in medicine every day, and to develop relationships with my patients that empower them to feel informed and comfortable with their treatment plans. I particularly value the importance of taking time to discuss goals of care with my patients. Outside of work, I am an avid reader, and my hobbies include writing, jogging, and spending time with my significant other and out cat, Soot

My mission is to teach patients how better health habits can prevent many diseases.  

It is a privilege to help people and establish long-term relationships with my patients. I believe that everyone's medical care should be individually tailored. We all have unique characteristics that need to be considered when deciding a treatment plan. Communication is paramount. Outside of work, I love rock climbing and surfing; however, most importantly I love spending time with my family.

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.