Dr. Michael Piepkorn

  The Quiet Science of a Garden When most people think of science , they picture laboratories, microscopes, and data charts. Rarely do they imagine someone kneeling in a garden bed with their hands buried in the soil. Yet, for many scientists, gardeners, and curious thinkers alike, the garden is as much a laboratory as any research facility. The quiet rhythms of landscape gardening—planning, planting, observing, and adjusting—mirror the cycles of scientific discovery. Each bed becomes an experiment, and every flower or shrub tells a story. Patterns in Nature that Spark Curiosity A freshly tilled garden may seem like a blank canvas, but it is a puzzle waiting to be solved to a scientific mind. Why does one area thrive while another struggles? What happens when certain plants are paired together? These questions spark the same curiosity that drives research in fields like biology, ecology, or even physics. Observing the spirals of a sunflower head or the branching of tree roots remi...

The University of Washington’s Dermatology Residency Program has achieved significant recognition for its commitment to excellence in medical education. Recently, the program received several prestigious teaching awards, cementing its reputation as a leader in dermatology training . These accolades reflect the department’s dedication to providing the best possible education and mentorship to its residents, ensuring that they are well-prepared to become the next generation of dermatology experts. In this article, we’ll delve into the reasons behind the University of Washington’s success in dermatology education, how these awards impact residents and faculty, and what makes this residency program stand out. A Tradition of Excellence in Dermatology Education The University of Washington has long been recognized as one of the top institutions for medical education, with its dermatology residency program standing out as a prime example of its educational philosophy. The dermatology departme...

The practice of dermatology is rapidly evolving, with new treatments, technologies, and research continuously shaping the field. As dermatology addresses increasingly complex health issues, from skin cancer to autoimmune skin diseases and cosmetic concerns, there is a growing need for highly trained, empathetic, and innovative professionals . In response, dermatology education is transforming, and award-winning educators are leading the charge in preparing the next generation of dermatologists. These educators use groundbreaking teaching strategies, cutting-edge technologies, and a focus on holistic care to shape future leaders in dermatology. In this article, we explore how award-winning dermatology educators are revolutionizing the way students are trained, preparing them to face the challenges of tomorrow’s dermatology landscape with the skills, knowledge, and compassion needed for success. The Role of Award-Winning Educators in Dermatology At the forefront of modern dermatology edu...