Dr. Michael Piepkorn
Clinical Professor of Dermatology
Dr. Michael Piepkorn is a clinical dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and researcher with over five decades of experience in the medical field. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held academic positions and contributed to medical research for over 20 years. His area of expertise, dermatopathology, merges dermatology and pathology to study skin diseases. His research has focused on melanoma skin cancer and psoriasis, and significant strides have been made in these areas.
Michael Piepkorn dedicates much of his professional time to Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle, Washington, where he diagnoses skin diseases based on skin biopsies. He also serves at the University of Washington (UW), where he staffs a pigmented lesion and melanoma clinic at the Roosevelt outpatient facility. This role allows him to combine patient care with his ongoing academic practice and research commitment.
Michael Piepkorn PHD holds board certifications in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology, highlighting his expertise in these specialized fields. He has served in academic dermatology positions at prominent institutions, including the University of Utah and the University of Washington. In 2000, Dr. Michael Piepkorn co-founded a skin pathology lab in Bellevue, Washington, further strengthening his impact on dermatopathology and advancing the research in his field.
Michael Piepkorn’s groundbreaking research in melanoma skin cancer led to the identification of the p16 or CDKN2A gene, a major familial melanoma gene. In 2004, the American Society of Dermatopathology recognized his work in this area with an award, acknowledging his invaluable contributions to understanding and diagnosing melanoma skin cancer. This recognition solidified Michael Piepkorn, MD’s reputation as a melanoma research and diagnostics expert.
Dr. Michael Piepkorn has published over 170 original journal articles throughout his career, demonstrating his significant contribution to dermatology and dermatopathology. His work has covered many topics, including invasive melanoma diagnosis, second-opinion strategies, and melanoma staging. His research has enhanced the accuracy and reliability of melanoma diagnosis, further establishing Michael Piepkorn PHD as a leader in his field.
He has also played a key role in training the next generation of dermatologists and dermatopathologists. Through his mentorship, he has guided clinical dermatology and dermatopathology trainees, ensuring the continued advancement of the field. His efforts to educate and collaborate with future physician-scientists have contributed significantly to ongoing melanoma research and helped shape the future of dermatopathology.
Dr. Michael Piepkorn completed his medical degree at the University of Minnesota in 1973 and earned his PhD from the University of Washington in 1980. He completed his residency in pathology and dermatology at the University of Washington. During the 1990s, he held a joint faculty appointment in the Department of Dermatology and Pathology. His educational background also includes undergraduate studies at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, which laid the foundation for his exceptional medical career.
Michael Piepkorn’s dedication to teaching has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington Residency Program in both 2009 and 2018. These accolades reflect his commitment to educating the next generation of dermatologists and dermatopathologists. His impact on the field is also reflected in the establishment of the Michael Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research at UW in 2011, which supports dermatologic research in his honor.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Michael Piepkorn enjoys landscaping, gardening, and spending time in nature. He is an avid mountaineer, backpacker, and nature photographer, having climbed hundreds of mountains in the United States and abroad. These hobbies reflect his deep respect for nature and his desire to stay active and connected to the world beyond his work, which complements his professional life. Michael Piepkorn, MD’s dedication to maintaining an active, balanced lifestyle further enhances his overall well-being and enriches his work in the medical field.