I have been a physician's assistant in women’s health for close to 30 years on the South Shore. I enjoy seeing women in their many phases of life. I feel privileged when patients I met at the start of my career bring their daughters and granddaughters in to see me for their care. When not working, I enjoy spending time with my family.

I am originally from Russia. I underwent undergraduate and medical school education in Texas, and moved to the Boston area for postgraduate training in 2001. 

I have practiced in Dorchester and Weymouth, Massachusetts since 2006. I joined South Shore Medical Center and South Shore Hospital in the Fall of 2017.

I am an experienced pulmonologist who provides care for multiple pulmonary diseases, including COPD, asthma, sarcoidosis, interstitial lung disease, lung nodules and lung cancer.
 

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.

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 mission is to help women get to the root cause of their symptoms and lead an optimal and healthy life.

I am passionate about working with patients to help them live their optimal life. I have gone back to further my education in integrative and functional medicine so that I may have more tools in my toolbox to do so. Outside of work I spend time enhancing my own health journey and being with my family.

My mission is to provide comprehensive care and holistic support to patients throughout their cancer journey.

With over a decade of service in healthcare, I have expertise in clinical practice, research, and patient-centered care. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from UMASS Worcester. My experience ranges across inpatient and outpatient settings, including hematology, oncology, clinical research, medical/surgical care, and primary care.  Outside work, I enjoy sailing and spending time with my family including our dog Una. 

My mission/focus is to provide educational and compassionate care to my patients and families during their more vulnerable moments.

I feel it is a privilege to be on all of my past and future patients care teams. I understand the gravity behind choosing a provider for a loved one, and I take that decision to heart. I believe in having open dialogue with my patients so that I can best assist them in crafting a unique care plan towards their goals with the best evidence based practice. When I am not at work I enjoy spending time with family and friends and going to the beach.

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 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.

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.