Dr. Michael Piepkorn

Clinical Professor of Dermatology

Dr. Michael Piepkorn is a trained clinical dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and researcher with over five decades of experience in the medical field. He has held academic positions and conducted medical research for over twenty years. Dermatopathology, a subspecialty of dermatology and pathology, involves the study of skin pathology. His research has primarily focused on melanoma skin cancer and psoriasis.

Current Professional Role

He spends most of his time at Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle, Washington, where he diagnoses diseases from skin biopsies. Additionally, he staffs a pigmented lesion and melanoma clinic at the University of Washington (UW) outpatient facility.

Medical Expertise and Certifications

He holds board certifications in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology. Over the years, he has held academic dermatology positions at the University of Utah and the University of Washington. In 2000, he co-founded a skin pathology lab in Bellevue, Washington.

Breakthrough Contributions in Melanoma Research

Michael Piepkorn, MD, is widely known for his specialized research in melanoma skin cancer. As part of a research team, he helped identify the major familial melanoma gene, p16 or CDKN2A. In 2004, the American Society of Dermatopathology awarded Piepkorn an award for his work.

Published Work

He has published more than 170 original journal articles. Some of his significant works include:

“Pathologists' Diagnosis of Invasive Melanoma and Melanocytic Proliferations: Observer Accuracy and Reproducibility Study”
“Assessment of Second-Opinion Strategies for Diagnoses of Cutaneous Melanocytic Lesions”
“Concordance and Reproducibility of Melanoma Staging According to the 7th vs 8th Edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual”
“Malpractice Concerns, Defensive Medicine, and the Histopathology Diagnosis of Melanocytic Skin Lesions”
“Characteristics and Diagnostic Performance of Pathologists Who Enjoy Interpreting Melanocytic Lesions”
“Population-Based Analysis of Histologically Confirmed Melanocytic Proliferations Using Natural Language Processing”
“Pathologist Characteristics Associated with Accuracy and Reproducibility of Melanocytic Skin Lesion Interpretation”
“Skin Cancer Screening: Recommendations for Data-driven Screening Guidelines and a Review of the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force Controversy”
“Pathologists' Use of Second Opinions in Interpretation of Melanocytic Cutaneous”
“Pathologist Characteristics Associated With Rendering Higher-Grade Diagnoses for Melanocytic Lesions”
“Accuracy of Digital Pathologic Analysis vs Traditional Microscopy in the Interpretation of Melanocytic Lesions”
“Revision of the Melanocytic Pathology Assessment Tool and Hierarchy for Diagnosis Classification Schema for Melanocytic Lesions: A Consensus Statement”
“MPATH-Dx Version 2.0 Schema for Melanocytic Lesions: A Robust Tool for Standardized Diagnostic Reporting”
“Shifts in Cutaneous Melanocytic Tumor Diagnostic Terminology: Melanocytoma, MPATH-Dx V2.0 and the WHO Skin5”

Mentoring Future Generations

He has played a vital role in training generations of clinical dermatologists and dermatopathologists. He has also mentored students in basic medical research, helping to shape the next generation of physician-scientists and advancing melanoma research through education and collaboration.

Education and Training

Dr. Michael Piepkorn received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in 1973 and his PhD from the University of Washington in 1980. He completed his residencies in both pathology and dermatology at the University of Washington. In the 1990s, Michael held a joint faculty appointment in the Department of Dermatology and the Department of Pathology at UW.

The University of Washington, one of the oldest research universities on the West Coast, is ranked No. 8 in the 2025-26 U.S. News & World Report’s Best Global Universities. He also completed his undergraduate studies at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota.

Recognition and Honors

Michael Piepkorn, PHD, has been honored with several teaching awards, including the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington Residency Program in 2018 and the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington Dermatology Residency Program in 2009. In 2011, the Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research was established at the University of Washington in his honor to support dermatologic research.

Professional Memberships

He is is a member of the Society for Investigative Dermatology and has been a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology since 1981.

Personal Life and Hobbies

Outside his medical career, Dr. Michael Piepkorn enjoys landscaping, gardening, and nature. He is passionate about backpacking, mountaineering, and nature photography. He has climbed hundreds of mountains across the United States and abroad. These outdoor hobbies reflect Piepkorn’s deep respect for nature and desire to stay active and connected to the world beyond the lab.

This version uses subtitles to separate the sections while keeping all the original information intact. Let me know if you need further adjustments!