About Us

History of RPLA

Laurin J. Kaasa, MD, began practicing pathology in Raleigh in 1961 at the hospital now known as WakeMed Health & Hospitals and as the first pathologist oversaw the creation of the Pathology Laboratory. He eventually became partners with Dewey Pate, MD, and Ron Edwards, MD, and together formed Raleigh Pathology Laboratory Associates, P.A. (RPLA). RPLA has prospered and grown the number of pathologists and includes a supportive and professional administrative staff. As a commitment to quality is the guiding force for both organizations, RPLA and WakeMed have partnered to provide comprehensive anatomic and clinical pathology services to both inpatients and outpatients in our community. RPLA practices the principles of excellence and quality service in laboratory medicine that were part of the philosophy of the founding members and continue to be hallmarks of the members today.

Why Choose Us?

For nearly 50 years, Raleigh Pathology Laboratory Associates (RPLA) has provided WakeMed with comprehensive anatomic and clinical pathology services. When Memorial Hospital of Wake County first opened its doors, Laurin J. Kaasa, MD was there to serve as the hospital’s first pathologist. Dewey Pate, MD, and Ronald Edwards, MD, soon joined Dr. Kaasa to form Raleigh Pathology Laboratory Associates, a practice committed to its mission of providing quality pathology services for both hospital inpatients as well as outpatients referred by physicians.

As Memorial Hospital of Wake County grew into what is now known as WakeMed Health & Hospitals, the pathology lab at WakeMed proudly continued its longstanding partnership with RPLA. As the focus of medical care shifts from an inpatient setting to a more ambulatory direction, WakeMed and RPLA are making laboratory services more accessible and convenient to physicians and patients in the Triangle area.

Pathology Outreach Services

WakeMed Pathology Outreach Services’ mission is to model the community gold standard for excellence and quality in laboratory services by partnering with physicians to provide timely results and accurate diagnoses. Our friendly staff strives to offer physicians premier customer service, and welcomes the opportunity to answer questions about our wide range of pathology services. To reach a Pathology Outreach professional, please call 919.350.7821.

Meet Our Pathologists

George Clarke, MD

George Clarke, MD

Director of Pathology Services

Matthew J. Snyder, MD

Matthew J. Snyder, MD

Medical Director, Ambulatory and Community Physicians Laboratory Services

Shrin Rajagopalan, MD, PhD

Shrin Rajagopalan, MD, PhD

Medical Director, WakeMed Apex Healthplex, WakeMed Brier Creek Healthplex, WakeMed Garner Healthplex

Ahren C. Rittershaus, MD

Ahren C. Rittershaus, MD

Medical Director, Anatomic Pathology and WakeMed North Hospital

Ryan C. Johnson, MD

Ryan C. Johnson, MD

Medical Director, Transfusion Services

E. Grover Smith, PhD

E. Grover Smith, PhD

Medical Director, Microbiology and Special Testing | Executive Director, Raleigh Pathology Laboratory Associates

Meet Our Executive Team

Jane Gaskins, CPA, CGMA

Jane Gaskins, CPA, CGMA

Chief Financial and Administrative Officer

Cheshire Cole

Cheshire Cole

Administrative Director

Kristine K. Fanning

Kristine K. Fanning

Manager, Ambulatory and Community Physicians Laboratory Services

Kim Duke

Kim Duke

Client Service Specialist

Careers

There are currently no open positions. However, we are always keen to meet energetic and talented professionals who would like to join our team.

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