Dr. Michael Piepkorn
Clinical Professor of Dermatology
Dr. Michael Piepkorn is a highly accomplished clinical dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and researcher with over fifty years of experience in the medical field. Throughout his career, he has significantly contributed to dermatology, particularly melanoma skin cancer and psoriasis. His expertise in dermatopathology—a subspecialty that bridges dermatology and pathology—has established him as a leading authority in the field.
He practices at Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle, Washington, where he diagnoses diseases based on skin biopsies. Additionally, he contributes to the pigmented lesion and melanoma clinic at the University of Washington’s Roosevelt outpatient facility. These positions enable him to remain at the forefront of melanoma diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Expertise and Professional Background
He holds board certifications in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology. His academic career includes positions at the University of Utah and the University of Washington, where he helped advance dermatological education and research. In 2000, Dr. Piepkorn co-founded a skin pathology lab in Bellevue, Washington, to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment for skin diseases. His career has been characterized by a strong commitment to enhancing dermatological practices and improving patient care.
A significant breakthrough in Dr. Piepkorn’s career came when he participated in identifying the p16 or CDKN2A gene, a major familial melanoma gene. This discovery has had a transformative impact on the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. In recognition of his pioneering research, Dr. Piepkorn received an award from the American Society of Dermatopathology in 2004 for his contributions to melanoma research.
Groundbreaking Research and Publications
Published Work
He has published more than 170 original journal articles related to medicine. A sample of Dr. Piepkorn’s prolific work includes the following:
Role in Mentoring Future Dermatologists
Michael Piepkorn, MD, has dedicated much of his career to mentoring the next generation of dermatologists and dermatopathologists. His role as an educator and mentor has profoundly impacted the development of many medical professionals. Dr. Piepkorn has helped shape the future of melanoma research and dermatopathology by guiding aspiring physician-scientists. His influence extends beyond academic settings, as he continues mentoring professionals advancing research and clinical care in dermatology.
Through his commitment to mentorship, Dr. Piepkorn has ensured that his expertise and passion for dermatology continue to inspire the next generation of clinicians and researchers.
Academic Background and Training
Michael Piepkorn completed his medical degree at the University of Minnesota in 1973 and his PhD at the University of Washington in 1980. He undertook his residency in pathology and dermatology at the University of Washington, where he held a joint faculty appointment in both the Department of Dermatology and the Department of Pathology during the 1990s. This comprehensive academic background helped Dr. Piepkorn develop his clinical dermatology and dermatopathology expertise.
In addition to his formal education, Dr. Piepkorn completed his undergraduate studies at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, providing him with the foundational knowledge needed to pursue a successful medical career.
Recognitions and Lasting Impact
He has received numerous honors and accolades throughout his career for his contributions to dermatology and dermatopathology. In 2009 and 2018, he received the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington’s Residency Program. These prestigious awards reflect his teaching excellence and unwavering commitment to advancing dermatological education.
In recognition of his work, the University of Washington established the Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research in 2011. This endowment helps fund ongoing research in dermatology and ensures that Dr. Piepkorn’s legacy will continue to shape the future of the field.
Personal Life and Hobbies
Outside of his professional achievements, Michael Piepkorn, PHD, enjoys spending time in nature. He has a strong passion for landscaping and gardening, which allows him to connect with the outdoors in a creative and fulfilling way. He also enjoys mountaineering, having climbed hundreds of mountains across the United States and abroad. His love for backpacking, nature photography, and exploring the wilderness allows him to engage deeply with nature’s beauty.
These personal interests reflect Michael holistic approach to life, demonstrating his commitment to staying active and engaged beyond his medical career. His connection to the natural world enhances his well-being and complements his professional achievements in dermatology and dermatopathology.
Publications:
Barnhill's Dermatopathology, Fourth Edition
Some of my written contributions
Textbook of Dermatopathology
Pathology of Melanocytic Nevi and Malignant Melanoma
Read More:
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
He practices at Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle, Washington, where he diagnoses diseases based on skin biopsies. Additionally, he contributes to the pigmented lesion and melanoma clinic at the University of Washington’s Roosevelt outpatient facility. These positions enable him to remain at the forefront of melanoma diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Expertise and Professional Background
He holds board certifications in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology. His academic career includes positions at the University of Utah and the University of Washington, where he helped advance dermatological education and research. In 2000, Dr. Piepkorn co-founded a skin pathology lab in Bellevue, Washington, to improve diagnostic accuracy and treatment for skin diseases. His career has been characterized by a strong commitment to enhancing dermatological practices and improving patient care.
A significant breakthrough in Dr. Piepkorn’s career came when he participated in identifying the p16 or CDKN2A gene, a major familial melanoma gene. This discovery has had a transformative impact on the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. In recognition of his pioneering research, Dr. Piepkorn received an award from the American Society of Dermatopathology in 2004 for his contributions to melanoma research.
Groundbreaking Research and Publications
Published Work
He has published more than 170 original journal articles related to medicine. A sample of Dr. Piepkorn’s prolific work includes the following:
- “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”
Role in Mentoring Future Dermatologists
Michael Piepkorn, MD, has dedicated much of his career to mentoring the next generation of dermatologists and dermatopathologists. His role as an educator and mentor has profoundly impacted the development of many medical professionals. Dr. Piepkorn has helped shape the future of melanoma research and dermatopathology by guiding aspiring physician-scientists. His influence extends beyond academic settings, as he continues mentoring professionals advancing research and clinical care in dermatology.
Through his commitment to mentorship, Dr. Piepkorn has ensured that his expertise and passion for dermatology continue to inspire the next generation of clinicians and researchers.
Academic Background and Training
Michael Piepkorn completed his medical degree at the University of Minnesota in 1973 and his PhD at the University of Washington in 1980. He undertook his residency in pathology and dermatology at the University of Washington, where he held a joint faculty appointment in both the Department of Dermatology and the Department of Pathology during the 1990s. This comprehensive academic background helped Dr. Piepkorn develop his clinical dermatology and dermatopathology expertise.
In addition to his formal education, Dr. Piepkorn completed his undergraduate studies at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, providing him with the foundational knowledge needed to pursue a successful medical career.
Recognitions and Lasting Impact
He has received numerous honors and accolades throughout his career for his contributions to dermatology and dermatopathology. In 2009 and 2018, he received the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington’s Residency Program. These prestigious awards reflect his teaching excellence and unwavering commitment to advancing dermatological education.
In recognition of his work, the University of Washington established the Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research in 2011. This endowment helps fund ongoing research in dermatology and ensures that Dr. Piepkorn’s legacy will continue to shape the future of the field.
Personal Life and Hobbies
Outside of his professional achievements, Michael Piepkorn, PHD, enjoys spending time in nature. He has a strong passion for landscaping and gardening, which allows him to connect with the outdoors in a creative and fulfilling way. He also enjoys mountaineering, having climbed hundreds of mountains across the United States and abroad. His love for backpacking, nature photography, and exploring the wilderness allows him to engage deeply with nature’s beauty.
These personal interests reflect Michael holistic approach to life, demonstrating his commitment to staying active and engaged beyond his medical career. His connection to the natural world enhances his well-being and complements his professional achievements in dermatology and dermatopathology.
Publications:
Barnhill's Dermatopathology, Fourth Edition
Some of my written contributions
Textbook of Dermatopathology
Pathology of Melanocytic Nevi and Malignant Melanoma
Read More:
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
Slideshow
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