My mission is to treat the patient in front of me with compassion, dignity, and respect.

I believe that medical care needs to be tailored to the patient in front of me. I believe that taking the time to talk with the patient about their medical concerns is just as important as ordering tests and imaging. Taking the time to listen to the patient can go a long way to developing a respectful, trusted relationship, which can have a very positive outcome for patients. Outside of work I like rock climbing, hiking, and traveling.

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 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.

I partner with women to provide education, resources and choices regarding their bodies, healthy pregnancy, labor and birth. It is a privilege to care for women and families and to be present at their birth. Each labor and birth are unique. Even after 33 years as a midwife, I am amazed at the beauty of birth and the strength of women.

I started the first midwifery practice at South Shore Health in 1987 and have enjoyed being director and now co-director of the midwifery group and watching our program grow over the years. Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and children. I also love running my dog on the beach, paddleboarding and gardening.
 

Being a physician is an honor and a privilege I have enjoyed since graduating from The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1979.  As my patients know I am interested in your life, your passions and the Orthopaedic issues that frustrate you and how I might be of assistance to you.  Surgery is not always a solution.

I take care of newborn infants and their great grandmothers.  In an era of sub-specialization, I am the "silver haired" General Orthopaedist but have maintained my surgical skills and remain confident in my abilities.  I have been fortunate to have treated multiple generations of my friends and neighbors here on the South Shore and work in a hospital committed to clinical excellence and compassionate care.