Dr. Michael Piepkorn is a respected dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and researcher whose career in medicine spans more than 50 years. His work has centered on advancing the understanding of skin diseases, particularly melanoma and psoriasis, while also contributing to education, patient care, and scientific discovery. Known for his expertise in dermatopathology and melanoma diagnosis, Michael has earned recognition as a leader in his field through decades of clinical practice, academic involvement, and influential research.
Dermatopathology is a highly specialized field that combines dermatology and pathology to diagnose skin diseases through laboratory analysis and microscopic examination. Michael has spent much of his professional life working in this complex specialty, helping physicians and patients better understand difficult, often life-threatening skin conditions.
Today, Michael practices at Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle, Washington, where he diagnoses diseases from skin biopsy samples. He also remains involved in direct patient care through a pigmented lesion and melanoma clinic at the University of Washington’s Roosevelt outpatient facility.
Michael Piepkorn, MD, professional qualifications reflect the breadth of his experience and dedication to medicine. He is board-certified in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology, an accomplishment that highlights his advanced training across multiple medical disciplines.
Throughout his career, Michael has held academic appointments in dermatology at both the University of Utah and the University of Washington. His work in academic medicine enabled him to integrate patient care, scientific research, and medical education, advancing dermatologic knowledge and training programs.
In 2000, Michael co-founded a skin pathology laboratory in Bellevue, Washington. This venture further demonstrated his commitment to improving diagnostic services and advancing the practice of dermatopathology.
Among Michael’s most significant scientific contributions was his role in identifying the familial melanoma gene p16 (CDKN2A). This important discovery helped researchers better understand hereditary melanoma risk and represented a major advancement in cancer genetics.
His research has consistently focused on melanoma, pathology interpretation, and psoriasis. Through his work, he has helped improve the consistency and accuracy of melanoma diagnosis among pathologists and medical professionals.
In recognition of his expertise and contributions to melanoma research, Michael received an award from the American Society of Dermatopathology in 2004.
Published Work
Michael has published more than 170 original journal articles related to dermatology, pathology, and skin cancer research. His studies have addressed topics such as melanoma staging, diagnostic reproducibility, digital pathology, and standardized reporting systems for melanocytic lesions.
A selection of his published work includes:
Education and mentorship have remained central to Michael’s career. Over many years, he has trained future dermatologists and dermatopathologists while mentoring medical researchers pursuing careers in scientific investigation and clinical medicine.
Michael's dedication to teaching earned him several honors, including the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington Dermatology Residency Program in both 2009 and 2018. Through his mentorship, he has helped shape future generations of physician-scientists and clinical specialists.
Dr. Michael Piepkorn earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in 1973. He later completed a PhD at the University of Washington in Seattle in 1980, followed by residencies in pathology and dermatology at the same institution.
During the 1990s, he held a joint faculty appointment in the Departments of Dermatology and Pathology at the University of Washington. His undergraduate education was completed at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota.
The impact of Piepkorn’s work has been recognized through numerous honors and professional affiliations. In 2011, the Michael Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research was established at the University of Washington in his honor to support ongoing dermatologic research.
He has also remained an active member of the Society for Investigative Dermatology and has been a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology since 1981.
Outside of his medical career, Michael Piepkorn PHD enjoys landscaping, gardening, mountaineering, backpacking, and nature photography. He has climbed hundreds of mountains throughout the United States and internationally, reflecting his lifelong appreciation for nature and exploration. His outdoor interests mirror the same curiosity, discipline, and dedication that have defined his extraordinary career in medicine and research.
Portfolio: https://drmichaelpiepkorn.com
Michael Piepkorn on How Melanoma Gene Research Continues to Influence Clinical Practice
Improving Melanoma Detection Through Specialized Dermatopathology Training, by Dr. Michael Piepkorn
Dr. Michael Piepkorn on How the Discovery of the p16 Gene Transformed Familial Melanoma Diagnosis
Advancing Early Detection of Melanoma Through Diagnostic Precision
How Genetic Markers Like CDKN2A Influence Melanoma Treatment
Understanding The Genetic Links Behind Familial Skin Cancer
Dr. Michael Piepkorn Looks at Academic-Clinical Collaboration
Dr. Michael Piepkorn on the Rise of Melanocytoma as a New Category in Skin Cancer Terminology
Inside Dr. Michael Piepkorn’s Approach to Everyday Patient Care