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
Director of Pathology Services
Medical Director, Ambulatory and Community Physicians Laboratory Services
Medical Director, Anatomic Pathology and WakeMed North Hospital
Medical Director, Transfusion Services
Medical Director, WakeMed Healthplexes
Pathologist
Pathologist
Medical Director, Microbiology and Special Testing | Executive Director, Raleigh Pathology Laboratory Associates
Meet Our Executive Team
Jane Gaskins, CPA, CGMA
Chief Financial and Administrative Officer
Cheshire Cole, MBA BSMT(ASCP)
Administrative Director
Kristine K. Fanning
Administrative Director
Renee Thacker
Administrative Director
Kim Duke
Manager, Marketing & Sales
Neha Mehta
Manager, Operations
Heather Barna
Client Relationship 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.