Dr. Michael Piepkorn

Dr. Michael Piepkorn, MD, is a highly trained clinical dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and researcher with more than five decades of experience in the medical field. He has held academic positions and contributed to medical research for over 20 years.

Dermatopathology, which merges dermatology and pathology, is his area of specialization. His research has notably focused on melanoma skin cancer and psoriasis, in which he has made significant contributions.

He spends most of his time at Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle, Washington, where he diagnoses diseases based on skin biopsies. In addition to his clinical work, he serves as a staff member at the pigmented lesion and melanoma clinic at the Roosevelt outpatient facility at the University of Washington (UW), maintaining his dual commitment to patient care and academic involvement.

Michael Piepkorn, PhD, holds board certifications in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology, emphasizing his expertise in these specialized fields. He has been involved in academic dermatology appointments at respected institutions, including the University of Utah and the University of Washington. In 2000, Michael co-founded a skin pathology lab in Bellevue, Washington, establishing a solid foundation for his ongoing work in dermatopathology research and diagnosis.

He has earned recognition for his extensive research on melanoma skin cancer, including his work identifying the major familial melanoma gene, p16 or CDKN2A. His research in this area has earned him an award from the American Society of Dermatopathology in 2004, acknowledging his valuable contributions to the understanding and diagnosis of melanoma.

Piepkorn has published more than 170 original journal articles throughout his career, solidifying his reputation as a prolific researcher in the field of dermatopathology. His publications include research on invasive melanoma diagnosis, second-opinion strategies for skin lesions, melanoma staging, and much more. These works have enhanced the accuracy and reproducibility of melanoma diagnoses, establishing Michael as a key figure in the dermatopathology community.

In addition to his research achievements, Michael Piepkorn, PhD, has played an essential role in educating the next generation of dermatologists and dermatopathologists. Through his mentoring, Michael has helped train aspiring medical professionals in clinical dermatology and dermatopathology, ensuring that future physicians have a strong foundation in the specialized field of melanoma research.

He earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in 1973 and his PhD from the University of Washington in 1980. He completed his residency in pathology and dermatology at the University of Washington, where he also held a joint faculty appointment in the Departments of Dermatology and Pathology during the 1990s. His undergraduate studies further supplemented his academic background at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, laying the groundwork for his successful medical career.

He has received numerous teaching awards throughout his career, including the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington Residency Program in 2009 and 2018. These awards reflect his dedication to mentoring and shaping the careers of medical professionals in dermatology and dermatopathology.

In 2011, Michael was honored with establishing the Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research at the University of Washington. This chair supports ongoing dermatologic research at UW, ensuring that legacy continues to influence the field for many years. Piepkorn, is a member of the Society for Investigative Dermatology and has been a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology since 1981.