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.

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 chose to become a primary care physician because I cherish the long-term relationships I establish with my patients. I enjoy taking care of patients of all ages and families at all stages of their lives. I believe listening is as important as speaking. I see my role as an educator, sharing my knowledge and helping patients translate that into healthy habits for the prevention and management of chronic illness. 

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling near and far with my husband and three children.

Having grown up on the South Shore, it is a pleasure to care for patients of this region. I served in the US Navy following medical school and completed my surgical training through the Navy. Following multiple military assignments, I chose to return to the area in order to serve my local community and reside closer to my family. 

I like to tailor treatment plans based on an individual characteristics. Communication is key and I like to get the patient involved in the decision making. I think this facilitates trust and when patients have trust in their provider, they are  able to manage, treat, and prevent diseases more effectively.

I graduated from Quinnipiac University PA program in August 2005, and started my career as a Primary Care PA. I later transitioned to Urgent Care. I have been practicing as an Urgent Care PA for over a decade and love it. My hobbies include biking, hiking, yoga, exercising, traveling and spending time with my family.