CARING MEDICAL STUDENT HONORED : MOORPARK MAN EARNS MINORITY AWARD.

Byline: Alicia Doyle Daily News Staff Writer

Gary Polsfuss, a UCLA medical school student who spends his spare time providing free health care to underserved communities, was named the nation's top minority medical student by National Medical Fellowships Inc.

NMF awarded its oldest and most prestigious Franklin C. McClean Award to Polsfuss, 25, for his exceptional academic, leadership and community service efforts. Established in 1968, the award honors the memory of the Chicago bone physiologist who founded NMF. One award is presented each year to a senior minority medical student.

Polsfuss, a Moorpark resident, will receive a certificate of merit and $3,000 next month at an Association of American Medical Colleges meeting in San Francisco.

``Physicians have a duty and responsibility to get involved,'' said Polsfuss, who plans to be an emergency physician after he graduates next summer. ``I recognize the responsibility and look forward to the opportunity to making a difference.''

Crucial programs Polsfuss plans to work on after graduation include health care for the uninsured, smoking cessation and drug prevention. He also wants to improve emergency medical care for the underprivileged in Chicano and Latino communities.

Born and raised in California, Polsfuss initially had wanted to be a professional baseball player. While playing for his high school team, he was scouted by recruiters who offered him scholarships to Michigan and Indiana colleges. Polsfuss also tried out for the Cincinnati Reds, who later told the teen-ager ``we'll keep in touch,'' Polsfuss recalls.

Polsfuss turned down his offers from the Midwest after he was accepted at UCLA, where he majored in biology. With baseball still on his mind, Polsfuss tried out for UCLA's team. When he failed to make the roster, he decided to pursue medicine.

``Maybe it was fate,'' said Polsfuss, who put himself through college. ``I was always interested in science and had humanitarian ideals and aspirations. I thought medicine would be the perfect choice.''

In between his medical school duties, Polsfuss commits his spare time to work in the community. Over the past three years, he has worked health fairs in disadvantaged communities and provided medical services to families without access to health care.

His demanding schedule, however, never distracts Polsfuss from academics. On the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam, Polsfuss' score placed him in the nation's 99th percentile. He also earned a letter of distinction from the department of surgery at UCLA. Professors at UCLA's School of Medicine also boast about Polsfuss' extraordinary course work performance, research and rapport with patients.

Neil Parker, senior associate dean for senior affairs at the UCLA School of Medicine, said Polsfuss is a ``star in the making.''

``Gary's commitment to the underserved communities is genuine, and his potential for contribution is unlimited,'' Parker said.

Polsfuss now serves on UCLA committees including the Chicano Medical Student Association, the Admissions Subcommittee for Disadvantaged Applicants and the American Medical Student Association. He also serves as a liaison for incoming UCLA transfer students and is a mentor for disadvantaged applicants.

Polsfuss is the 12th UCLA medical student since 1978 to receive either the McClean Award or the Cadbury Award, which honors the second top minority medical student in the nation.

After graduating from medical school, Polsfuss plans to work in emergency medicine for a community emergency room or county facility. He wants to work in a large metropolitan city so he can reach as many people as possible.

Because his family lives in California, Polsfuss hopes to land a job in either Los Angeles or San Diego.

Ten years from now, Polsfuss sees himself as a valuable asset to the community.

``One of the main reasons why I selected medicine is because I can make a positive impact on people's lives,'' he said.

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Photo: (Color only in Simi edition) UCLA senior Gary Polsfuss of Moo rpark was recognized as the nation's top minority medical student by National Medical Fellowships Inc.

Gus Ruelas/Daily News