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.

As a primary care clinician, I have the opportunity to develop a trusting partnership with my patients and their families to help them live a healthy lifestyle. I enjoy diagnosing and treating the various illnesses that affect patients during their lifetime, and take great pleasure in seeing them recover. It is important for me to listen carefully to my patients' concerns so we can work together to meet their individual healthcare needs.  

In my free time, I enjoy swimming, running, cycling, and skiing, in addition to spending time with my husband, adult children, and our new granddaughter.

My mission is to provide patient-centered care allowing our patients to access trustworthy and well-informed care.

My personal philosophy in life is to be kind and compassionate. My background is in adult-gerontology and neurosurgery. I aim to create patient-centered relationships where my patients feel comfortable disclosing any concerns. In addition, I aim to provide open communication. Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering at a local nursing home and a local food bank, and performing in an dance group in ballet, jazz, contemporary and hip hop. I also enjoy hiking and exploring local trails.

I chose family medicine so that I could treat a wide spectrum of medical conditions and so that I could treat all ages, including newborns and multiple generations, in one family. This helps me to treat the whole person because knowing a person's social background is essential. I firmly believe that emotional and mental well-being are key factors in maintaining good overall health.

I grew up in Quincy and love living and working near my family and friends. I enjoy spending time at the beach, traveling to exotic places, going out dancing, skiing, cooking/baking, and following Boston sports teams.

My mission is to provide compassionate care to all patients regardless of their background or socioeconomic status.

I have been passionate about health and wellbeing since I studied nutrition and dietetics in college. I believe in preventative medicine and embody a holistic approach to my care. I listen to my patients and allow them the space to make informed medical decisions about their own care. Outside of the workplace, I enjoy traveling, cooking and spending time with my yellow lab, Lily.