Dr. Michael Piepkorn is a distinguished clinical dermatologist, dermatopathologist, and researcher with more than five decades of experience in the medical field. Throughout his career, he has held several academic positions and has been dedicated to conducting medical research for over twenty years. His area of expertise is dermatopathology, a subspecialty that blends dermatology and pathology to understand skin diseases better. His research has particularly focused on melanoma skin cancer and psoriasis, which have benefited from his profound contributions. He spends most of his time at Dermatopathology Northwest in Seattle, Washington, where he diagnoses various skin diseases through skin biopsies. In addition to his clinical practice, Michael also works at the University of Washington (UW), where he staffs a pigmented lesion and melanoma clinic at the Roosevelt outpatient facility. His dual role in patient care and academic research underscores his unwavering commitment to advancing the field. With board certifications in pathology, dermatology, and dermatopathology, Michael Piepkorn, MD, has earned a reputation as an expert in his field. He has held academic appointments at prestigious institutions, including the University of Utah and the University of Washington. In 2000, Michael co-founded a skin pathology lab in Bellevue, Washington, which has become a crucial resource for advancing research in dermatopathology. Piepkorn’s groundbreaking research on melanoma skin cancer led to the discovery of the p16 or CDKN2A gene, a key familial melanoma gene. This research earned recognition from the American Society of Dermatopathology, which awarded him for his significant contributions to melanoma research in 2004. His findings have had a profound impact on the understanding and diagnosis of melanoma, cementing his role as a leader in the field. He is the author of more than 170 original journal articles, demonstrating his prolific contributions to dermatology and dermatopathology. His work covers various topics, including invasive melanoma diagnosis, second-opinion strategies, and melanoma staging. His research has dramatically improved the accuracy of melanoma diagnosis and is widely cited in dermatopathology. He has also devoted much of his time to mentoring future generations of dermatologists and dermatopathologists. Through his guidance, he has helped train many clinical and dermatopathologists, ensuring the field continues advancing. His mentorship extends beyond clinical practice, as he has also contributed to developing physician-scientists through his involvement in basic medical research and education. Michael Piepkorn earned his medical degree from the University of Minnesota in 1973, followed by a PhD from the University of Washington in 1980. He completed his residency in pathology and dermatology at the University of Washington. In the 1990s, he held a joint faculty appointment in the Department of Dermatology and Pathology. His academic career also includes undergraduate studies at Gustavus Adolphus College in Minnesota, providing a solid foundation for his medical journey. Recognizing his commitment to education and mentorship, he received numerous teaching awards, including the Clinical Faculty Distinguished Teaching Award from the University of Washington Residency Program in 2009 and 2018. These awards acknowledge his dedication to training medical professionals and his impact on the future of dermatology and dermatopathology. In 2011, the University of Washington established the Piepkorn Endowed Chair in Dermatology Research in his honor. This chair supports ongoing dermatologic research, ensuring that the legacy will continue to shape the field for years. He is also an active member of the Society for Investigative Dermatology and a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology since 1981. Outside of his professional life, Michael Piepkorn, MD, enjoys landscaping, gardening, and spending time in the wilderness. He is an avid mountaineer and backpacker, having climbed hundreds of mountains throughout the United States and abroad. He is also passionate about nature photography, capturing the beauty of the natural world during his outdoor excursions. These activities reflect Piepkorn’s deep respect for nature and commitment to staying physically active and connected to the world beyond his work. His hobbies complement his professional life, providing him with balance and fulfillment. Publications: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/dermatopathology-fourth-edition_raymond-barnhill_a-neil-crowson/22000426/#edition=23507949&idiq=62222510 https://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Store-Michael-Piepkorn/s?rh=n%3A133140011%2Cp_27%3AMichael%2BPiepkorn https://www.biblio.com/book/textbook-dermatopathology-raymond-barnhill-michael-piepkorn/d/499299299 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/pathology-of-melanocytic-nevi-and-malignant-melanoma-michael-piepkorn/1101004764 https://www.scienceworldreport.com/articles/62155/20250915/michael-piepkorn-on-how-melanoma-gene-research-continues-to-influence-clinical-practice.htm https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/60547/20250818/improving-melanoma-detection-through-specialized-dermatopathology-training-dr-michael-piepkorn.htm https://www.medicaldaily.com/dr-michael-piepkorn-how-discovery-p16-gene-transformed-familial-melanoma-diagnosis-473736