Providers and staff

Physicians

Christopher Scola, M.D. | Board Certified Rheumatologist

Dr. Scola is a board-certified rheumatologist who has worked as a clinical rheumatologist and has been involved with academic medicine for over 25 years. He graduated from Trinity College in 1986 then received his medical degree from the University of Connecticut School of Medicine in 1990. He did his Internship and residency at the New England Deaconess Hospital in Boston Massachusetts, a major Harvard teaching hospital. He then went on to do his fellowship training at Boston University School of Medicine. He served as the Chief of the Rheumatology Department at Hartford Hospital from 2011-2018. He has a particular interest in vasculitis and musculoskeletal ultrasound, the latter in which he has additional training and certification. He has authored several publications in peer reviewed journals pertaining to vasculitis and musculoskeletal ultrasound.

John Vischio, M.D. | Board Certified Rheumatologist

Dr. Vischio graduated valedictorian from Ross University School of Medicine in 2006. He completed his internal medicine residency and rheumatology fellowship at the University of Connecticut, School of Medicine, where he was awarded medical intern of the year. He has performed research in rheumatoid arthritis, and has published scientific research papers on Scleroderma, Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis), and IgG4 related inflammatory disease. He is a clinical instructor of medicine at the University of Connecticut, School of Medicine, and is a member of both the medical staff and Bone & Joint Institute at Hartford Hospital. He is certified in rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and in musculoskeletal ultrasound in rheumatology by the American College of Rheumatology. Prior to his medical career, he earned a Doctor of Chiropractic degree from National University of Health Sciences, and a Fellow of the International Academy of Medical Acupuncture. Dr. Vischio specializes in the evaluation and management of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, gout, myositis, lupus and other connective tissue diseases, vasculitis, and osteoporosis. He enjoys mountain biking, and is the proud father of three daughters.

Cristiana Stanescu, M.D. | Board Certified Rheumatologist

Dr. Stanescu graduated from Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy in 1989. She completed her internal medical residency at Danbury Hospital/Yale University. She completed a Rheumatology fellowship at University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. Dr Stanescu provided internal medicine care for 6 years, and has been practicing rheumatology for 17 years. She is certified in rheumatology by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the medical staff at Hartford Hospital. Dr. Stanescu is an advocate of healthy lifestyles. She specializes in diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, gout, osteoporosis, Sjogren’s disease, lupus, scleroderma, myositis and vasculitis. She has 2 children and enjoys hiking, skiing, and traveling.

Infusion Nurses

In the infusion suite at Rheumatology Associates you will have top notch nursing care by the best RNs in the area.

Christine P. is the infusion nurse in the Southington office. Cindy O. is the infusion nurse on Tuesday and Thursday and Margaret H. is the infusion nurse on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in Glastonbury.

Medical Assistants

The physicians can't treat our patients with the best possible care without the help of Roxanne M. medical assistant to Dr Scola for the past 7 years, Kaitlyn N. medical assistant to Dr Stanescu for the past 7 years, and

Keri M. medical assistant to Dr Vischio a wonderful new member to the team.

Office staff

At the front desk you will be greeted by Isabella M. and Mariana O., both of which are lovely and welcoming when you arrive for your appointment. Brendaliz M. is the office coordinator that keeps things running smooth, and Melissa S. is the billing manager and here to answer all your billing and insurance questions.