Dr. Michael Piepkorn

Clinical Professor of Dermatology

Dr. Michael Piepkorn has devoted more than 5 decades to advancing dermatology, dermatopathology, and medical research. Recognized as a leading authority in melanoma diagnosis and skin pathology, he has spent his career combining clinical care, academic leadership, and groundbreaking scientific research. His work has contributed significantly to understanding melanoma and other skin diseases, while helping improve diagnostic practices used by physicians and pathologists across the medical field.

Specialist in Dermatopathology

With board certifications in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology, Michael possesses an exceptional range of expertise within medicine. Dermatopathology is a highly specialized discipline focused on diagnosing skin disorders through laboratory and microscopic examination. His extensive experience in this field has made him particularly respected for evaluating melanocytic lesions and complex skin cancers.

Michael currently practices at Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle, Washington, where he diagnoses diseases from skin biopsy specimens. In addition, he remains involved in patient care through a pigmented lesion and melanoma clinic at the University of Washington’s Roosevelt outpatient facility.

Commitment to Academic Medicine

Throughout his distinguished career, Michael Piepkorn, MD, has balanced clinical responsibilities with academic leadership. He has held faculty appointments in dermatology at both the University of Utah and the University of Washington, contributing to medical education and research for more than two decades.

Michael's commitment to innovation in dermatologic diagnostics also led him to co-found a skin pathology laboratory in Bellevue, Washington, in 2000. The laboratory became an important part of the region’s dermatologic care community and reflected his dedication to advancing the field through both science and patient-centered medicine.

Contributions to Melanoma Research

Michael is especially well known for his contributions to melanoma research. As part of a distinguished research team, he helped identify the major familial melanoma gene, p16 (CDKN2A). This discovery represented a major advancement in understanding hereditary melanoma risk and continues to influence cancer genetics research today.

Michael's research interests have focused heavily on melanoma and psoriasis, with an emphasis on improving diagnostic reproducibility and accuracy among pathologists. Because of his outstanding contributions to dermatopathology and melanoma diagnosis, he received recognition from the American Society of Dermatopathology in 2004.

Published Work

Michael has authored or co-authored more than 170 original journal articles related to dermatology, melanoma research, pathology interpretation, and skin cancer diagnostics. His published studies have contributed to improved reporting systems and diagnostic consistency within dermatopathology.

Some of his notable publications 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”

Influencing Future Physicians and Researchers

Teaching and mentorship have remained important aspects of Michael’s career. Over the years, he has trained generations of dermatologists and dermatopathologists while mentoring young investigators pursuing careers in medical research.

Michael's guidance has helped shape future physician-scientists who continue to contribute to melanoma research and dermatologic medicine. Colleagues and trainees alike have recognized his commitment to education, leadership, and professional development.

Educational Foundation and Training

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 both pathology and dermatology at the University of Washington.

During the 1990s, Michael 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

Throughout his career, Michael has received numerous awards recognizing both his teaching excellence and contributions to medical science. He received the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington Dermatology Residency Program in 2009 and again in 2018.

In recognition of his impact on dermatologic research and education, the Michael Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research was established at the University of Washington in 2011.

He has also maintained long-standing professional affiliations as a member of the Society for Investigative Dermatology and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology since 1981.

Life Beyond the Medical Profession

Outside of medicine, Michael Piepkorn PHD enjoys landscaping, gardening, mountaineering, backpacking, and photography. He has climbed hundreds of mountains across the United States and internationally, reflecting a lifelong appreciation for nature and exploration. His outdoor pursuits demonstrate the same discipline, curiosity, and passion that have defined his remarkable career in dermatology and medical research.