Michael W. Piepkorn MD PhD

Summary

• Dr. Michael Piepkorn is a distinguished clinical dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and researcher with over five decades of experience in the medical field. Specializing in melanoma skin cancer and psoriasis, his career has been marked by groundbreaking research and academic leadership. He is a board-certified pathologist and dermatologist with academic appointments at the University of Utah and the University of Washington (UW), where he also co-founded a skin pathology lab in 2000.
  
  He contributed significantly to melanoma research, notably identifying the familial melanoma gene, p16 or CDKN2A, alongside other experts. His work earned him an award from the American Society of Dermatopathology in 2004. Michael Piepkorn has published over 170 journal articles, focusing on melanoma, cutaneous lesions, and diagnostic accuracy in dermatopathology.
  In addition to his clinical and research achievements, Michael Piepkorn, PHD, has been an influential educator. He has mentored generations of dermatologists and dermatopathologists and continues to shape future medical research. He was instrumental in advancing melanoma research through education, fostering a legacy of physician-scientists.
  
  He received his medical degree from the University of Minnesota and a PhD from the University of Washington. He has received multiple teaching awards, including the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the UW Dermatology Residency Program. In 2011, the Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research was established to recognize his contributions.
  Outside of medicine, Dr. Piepkorn is an avid gardener and mountaineer, reflecting his love for nature and the outdoors. He has climbed numerous mountains across the United States and abroad, maintaining a deep connection to the natural world. His diverse interests mirror his passion for both the complexities of science and the beauty of the environment.