Dr. Michael Piepkorn

Clinical Professor of Dermatology

Dr. Michael Piepkorn is a distinguished dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and medical researcher with a career spanning more than 5 decades. Throughout his years in medicine, he has earned recognition for his expertise in melanoma diagnosis, skin pathology, and dermatologic research. His work has significantly influenced dermatology and dermatopathology through scientific discovery, patient care, and medical education.

Specialized Expertise in Dermatopathology

Dermatopathology is a subspecialty that combines dermatology and pathology to diagnose skin diseases through microscopic analysis of tissue samples. Michael has dedicated much of his career to this highly specialized field, with a particular focus on melanoma and melanocytic lesions.

Michael currently practices at Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle, Washington, where he diagnoses diseases using skin biopsy specimens. Alongside his laboratory and diagnostic work, He also contributes to patient care through a pigmented lesion and melanoma clinic at the University of Washington’s Roosevelt outpatient facility.

His ability to combine clinical dermatology with advanced pathology expertise has made him a highly respected figure in the field of skin cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Academic Contributions and Professional Leadership

Michael Piepkorn, MD, holds board certifications in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology, reflecting his extensive education and advanced medical training. Over the years, he has served in academic appointments at both the University of Utah and the University of Washington, contributing to teaching, research, and clinical training programs.

Michael's leadership in dermatologic diagnostics also extended to private-practice innovation. In 2000, he co-founded a skin pathology laboratory in Bellevue, Washington. The laboratory became an important part of the region’s dermatologic healthcare network and supported advancements in the accurate diagnosis of skin diseases.

Advancing the Understanding of Melanoma

Among Michael’s most notable scientific accomplishments was his role in identifying the familial melanoma gene p16 (CDKN2A). This important breakthrough improved understanding of inherited melanoma risk and contributed significantly to the field of cancer genetics.

Michael's research interests have focused heavily on melanoma skin cancer and psoriasis. Over the years, he has worked to improve the reproducibility of diagnostic methods, staging systems, and pathology reporting for melanocytic lesions.

In recognition of his expertise and contributions to melanoma research, the American Society of Dermatopathology awarded Michael in 2004.

Published Work

Michael has authored or co-authored more than 170 original medical journal articles related to dermatology, pathology, melanoma research, and diagnostic interpretation. His publications have addressed critical issues involving diagnostic accuracy, digital pathology, second opinions, and standardized melanoma classification systems.

Some of his published 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”

Mentor and Educator

In addition to his scientific and clinical accomplishments, Michael has played an important role in medical education. Throughout his career, he has trained generations of dermatologists and dermatopathologists and has mentored young researchers and physician-scientists pursuing careers in medicine.

Michael's dedication to teaching earned him the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington Dermatology Residency Program in both 2009 and 2018. His guidance and mentorship have left a lasting impact on many medical professionals.

Educational Background and Training

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 in the university’s Departments of Dermatology and Pathology. He completed his undergraduate studies at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota.

Honors and Lasting Recognition

His contributions to dermatology and medical research have been widely recognized. In 2011, the Michael Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research was established at the University of Washington in honor of his accomplishments and dedication to advancing dermatologic science.

He has also remained active in the professional community, serving as a member of the Society for Investigative Dermatology and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology since 1981.

Interests Beyond Medicine

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Michael Piepkorn PHD enjoys landscaping, gardening, backpacking, mountaineering, and nature photography. He has climbed hundreds of mountains across the United States and internationally, reflecting his deep appreciation for the outdoors and the natural world. His personal interests mirror the same discipline, curiosity, and passion that have defined his remarkable medical career.