Dr. Michael Piepkorn is an experienced dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and researcher with a medical career spanning more than 50 years. Throughout decades of clinical practice and scientific study, he has become widely recognized for his contributions to melanoma research, dermatopathology, and medical education. His work has influenced diagnostic standards in dermatology, helping improve understanding and treatment of skin disease.
Expertise in Skin Pathology
As a specialist in dermatopathology, Michael focuses on diagnosing skin diseases through microscopic analysis of tissue samples. Dermatopathology is a highly specialized field that combines dermatology and pathology, requiring advanced knowledge of both clinical skin disorders and laboratory-based diagnosis.
Michael currently practices at Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle, Washington, where he evaluates skin biopsy specimens and diagnoses a wide range of dermatologic conditions. He also contributes to patient care through a pigmented lesion and melanoma clinic at the University of Washington’s Roosevelt outpatient facility.
His expertise in melanoma and melanocytic lesions has earned him respect among colleagues, researchers, and physicians throughout the dermatologic community.
Academic Leadership and Professional Experience
Michael Piepkorn, MD, holds board certifications in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology, reflecting his comprehensive medical training and commitment to excellence in patient care and research.
During his career, Michael held academic appointments in dermatology at both the University of Utah and the University of Washington. His years in academic medicine allowed him to combine teaching, scientific investigation, and clinical practice while helping train future specialists in dermatology and pathology.
In 2000, Michael co-founded a skin pathology laboratory in Bellevue, Washington. The laboratory became an important diagnostic resource and demonstrated its dedication to improving dermatologic pathology services and advancing the field through innovation.
Important Contributions to Melanoma Research
Michael’s scientific work has focused heavily on melanoma skin cancer and psoriasis. One of his most important achievements was his participation in identifying the familial melanoma gene p16 (CDKN2A). This discovery significantly improved the understanding of inherited melanoma risk and represented a major advancement in cancer genetics research.
His continued work in melanoma diagnosis and pathology interpretation has helped improve reproducibility and diagnostic consistency among pathologists. In recognition of his expertise and research accomplishments, the American Society of Dermatopathology awarded Michael in 2004.
Published Work
Michael has authored or co-authored more than 170 original journal articles related to dermatology, pathology, melanoma diagnosis, and skin cancer research. His publications have addressed topics including pathology interpretation, melanoma staging, diagnostic terminology, and standardized reporting systems for melanocytic lesions.
A selection of his published work includes:
“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”
Passion for Teaching and Mentorship
Education has played a central role throughout Michael’s professional life. He has helped train generations of clinical dermatologists and dermatopathologists and has mentored researchers in medical science and melanoma research.
Michael's dedication to teaching earned him multiple honors, including the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington Dermatology Residency Program in both 2009 and 2018. His mentorship has helped shape future physician-scientists and specialists who continue to contribute to dermatologic medicine and research.
Educational Foundation
Dr. Michael Piepkorn earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in 1973, followed by a PhD at the University of Washington in Seattle in 1980. He later completed residencies in pathology and dermatology at the University of Washington.
During the 1990s, he held a joint faculty appointment within the university’s Departments of Dermatology and Pathology. His undergraduate studies were completed at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota.
Honors and Professional Recognition
His contributions to dermatology and research have been widely recognized throughout his career. In 2011, the Michael Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research was established at the University of Washington in recognition of his lasting impact on dermatologic science and education.
He has also been a member of the Society for Investigative Dermatology and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology since 1981.
Interests Outside the Medical Field
Outside of medicine, Michael Piepkorn PHD enjoys gardening, landscaping, backpacking, mountaineering, and photographing nature. He has climbed hundreds of mountains across the United States and internationally, reflecting a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and the natural world. His personal interests demonstrate the same curiosity, discipline, and passion that have defined his remarkable career in medicine and research.
