Dr. Michael Piepkorn
Dr. Michael Piepkorn is a trained clinical dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and researcher. He has been in the medical field for more than five decades and has held academic positions and conducted medical research for more than 20 years. Dermatopathology is the study of skin pathology and a subspecialty of dermatology and pathology. His research has focused on melanoma and psoriasis. While most of his time today is spent at Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle, Washington, where he diagnoses diseases from skin biopsies, he also staffs a pigmented lesion and melanoma clinic at the Roosevelt outpatient facility of the University of Washington.
Clinical and Academic Roles
Throughout his extensive medical career, Dr. Piepkorn has maintained a strong presence in both clinical practice and academic medicine. He holds board certifications in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology, reflecting the depth of his expertise across these intersecting fields. He has held faculty positions at the University of Utah and the University of Washington, contributing to institutional growth through teaching, service, and collaborative research. In 2000, he co-founded a skin pathology laboratory in Bellevue, Washington, further solidifying his impact on diagnostic dermatopathology in the region.
Research Contributions in Melanoma
Michael Piepkorn, MD, has played a significant role in advancing melanoma science, bringing specialized knowledge to the diagnostic and research challenges surrounding skin cancer. His work has been instrumental in understanding the genetics behind melanoma susceptibility. He was part of the research team that identified the major familial melanoma gene, p16 (CDKN2A). For his contributions to melanoma research and diagnostic excellence, he received the American Society of Dermatopathology Award in 2004. His influence extends through numerous collaborations that continue to shape the evolving landscape of melanoma classification and detection.
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”
Mentorship and Academic Training
Michael Piepkorn, PhD, has contributed substantially to the training of future dermatologists, dermatopathologists, and physician-scientists. He has mentored residents, fellows, and research trainees, strengthening the next generation of experts in melanoma science and clinical dermatology. His educational background includes a medical degree from the University of Minnesota in 1973 and a PhD from the University of Washington in 1980. He completed Residencies in Pathology and Dermatology at the University of Washington and held joint faculty appointments in both departments during the 1990s.
Recognition and Professional Service
Dr. Piepkorn has been honored with several teaching awards, including the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington Residency Program in 2018 and from the UW Dermatology Residency Program in 2009. In 2011, the Michael Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research was established in his honor. He has been a member of the Society for Investigative Dermatology and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology since 1981.
Interests Beyond Medicine
Outside his medical and academic commitments, Dr. Piepkorn enjoys landscaping, gardening, and wilderness exploration. His hobbies include backpacking, mountaineering, and nature photography, all of which reflect his appreciation for the natural world. He has climbed hundreds of mountains across the United States and internationally, demonstrating a lifelong passion for adventure and the outdoors.
