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.

I joined the South Shore Hospital medical staff in 2014.  With lifelong ties to the South Shore community, I know the community well and highly value informed and timely communication among medical specialists and primary care to promote and expedite the care of my patients.

In addition to treating patients, I also teach resident doctors in training and volunteer my time with the Podiatry profession's state society.  Ensuring the growth and future of Podiatry, in a complex world of health care, are critical to meet the needs of our population.

My treatment philosophy is to provide high quality, compassionate, and patient centered care.

Throughout my career at BU Medical Center and South Shore Health, I have divided my time between healthcare administration and direct patient care. Administratively, I have focused on medical education, patient safety and quality improvement. However, my true passion for medicine is driven by the bonds I build with my patients and caring for them throughout life. 

My treatment approach is centered around empowering individuals to take control of their own well-being. My focus is on providing a safe and supportive environment for my patients, enhance their self-awareness. My goal is to work collaboratively with patients to develop personalized treatment plans that address their unique  needs and goals.

I graduated from medical school in Eastern Europe. My OBGYN residency training took place in NYC at Maimonides medical Center. Outside of work, I love swimming and biking ; however, most importantly I love spending time with my family.

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. 

I have been privileged to provide primary care to patients for 25 years. I started my career in women’s health, then transferred to Affiliated Medical Groups in Quincy. This practice then transitioned to cardiologist Dr. Lisa Antonelli, where I continued my role in providing comprehensive medical care for primary care patients. This practice then joined Dr. Barry Miller’s oncology practice in Quincy, where I continued with my role providing primary care to the adult population. 

In 2008, I decided to join the medical team at South Shore Medical Center, again as a Nurse Practitioner in the primary care role. I feel that I have been fortunate to provide care for many of my very first patients and their families today. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my two sons and their families. I also enjoy hiking, kayaking, watercolor painting, and traveling.