Dr. Michael Piepkorn Male • United States of America

Dr. Michael Piepkorn is a dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and researcher whose career spans more than 5 decades of study in skin disease. His interests center on melanoma biology and complex diagnostic challenges in dermatology. He works at Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle and provides patient care at the University of Washington’s Roosevelt clinic, where he evaluates complex pigmented lesions.

Throughout his career, Michael Piepkorn, MD, has earned board certifications in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology, demonstrating a broad and integrated clinical skill set. He has held academic appointments at the University of Utah and the University of Washington, contributing to both scientific advancement and medical education. His work also includes co-founding a skin pathology laboratory in Bellevue, which expanded diagnostic options for the region.

His research includes helping identify the familial melanoma gene p16/CDKN2A, a discovery that shaped modern understanding of hereditary skin cancer. He has authored more than 170 peer-reviewed publications examining diagnostic variability, melanoma staging, terminology changes, and the interpretation of melanocytic tumors. His achievements earned him a notable award from the American Society of Dermatopathology in recognition of his scientific impact.

Alongside his research contributions, Michael Piepkorn, PHD, has played an essential role in training future dermatologists and dermatopathologists, mentoring students, residents, and fellows in clinical reasoning and research design. His dedication to teaching earned him several awards at the University of Washington. The establishment of the Michael Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research underscores his enduring commitment to advancing melanoma research and improving diagnostic accuracy.

Dr. Piepkorn completed his medical degree at the University of Minnesota in 1973 and earned his PhD from the University of Washington in 1980, where he later held joint positions in Dermatology and Pathology. He studied as an undergraduate at Gustavus Adolphus College. Outside medicine, he enjoys gardening, landscaping, backpacking, mountaineering, and nature photography, pursuits that reflect a lifelong appreciation for the natural world and a desire to remain active, curious, and connected beyond scientific work.