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Department Pulmonary Medicine
Primary Location Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Type of Doctor Adults Only
Languages English
Surgeon No
Locations
Cleveland Clinic Main Campus
Primary Location

Cleveland Clinic Main Campus

Appointment:
216.444.6503
Fax:
216.445.6024
Specialties & Treatments

Specialty in Diseases & Conditions

  • Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
  • Lung Dominant Connective Tissue Disease
  • Polymyositis
  • Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Rheumatoid Lung Disease
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Scleroderma
  • Vasculitis
View all 8 Specialties +
Insurance

Insurance

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Biography

About Kristin Highland, MD

Dr. Highland is fellowship trained in both pulmonary/critical care and rheumatology and has a dual appointment in the Respiratory Institute and the Orthopedics and Rheumatology Institute. Prior to coming to the Cleveland Clinic, she was an Associate Professor at the Medical University of South Carolina where she was director of the pulmonary hypertension program, interim director of the sarcoidosis center, and ran a very busy rheumatic lung disease clinic. Her clinical practice continues to be composed of complex patients with interstitial lung disease, pulmonary hypertension, sarcoidosis and the pulmonary complications of the rheumatic diseases (scleroderma, polymyositis/dermatomyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis). Her combined training has given her a unique perspective and expertise in caring for the patient with rheumatic lung disease and sarcoidosis.

Dr. Highland also has a Masters of Science in Clinical Research. Her research interests have been concentrated in interstitial lung disease and pulmonary hypertension with an emphasis on scleroderma

Education & Professional Highlights

Education & Professional Highlights

Appointed
2013

Education & Fellowships

Fellowship - MUSC Medical Center of Medical University of South Carolina
Rheumatology
Charleston, SC USA
2006

Fellowship - MUSC Medical Center of Medical University of South Carolina
Pulmonary Disease
Charleston, SC USA
2002

Medical Education - United States Air Force
Medicine
Altus, OK USA
1999

Residency - MUSC Medical Center of Medical University of South Carolina
Internal Medicine
Charleston, SC USA
1996

Residency - MUSC Medical Center of Medical University of South Carolina
Family Medicine
Charleston, SC USA
1994

Medical Education - Indiana University School of Medicine
Indianapolis, IN USA
1993

Undergraduate - Indiana University
Indianapolis, IN USA
1989

Graduate School - Medical Univ of South Carolina
Masters of Science in Clinical REsearch
Charleston, SC USA

Certifications

  • Internal Medicine - Pulmonary Disease
  • Internal Medicine - Critical Care Medicine
  • Internal Medicine - Rheumatology
Research & Publications

Research & Publications

See publications for Kristin Highland, MD.

(Disclaimer: This search is powered by PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. PubMed is a third-party website with no affiliation with Cleveland Clinic.)

Industry Relationships

Industry Relationships

Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists may collaborate with the pharmaceutical or medical device industries to help develop medical breakthroughs or provide medical expertise or education. Cleveland Clinic strives to make scientific advances that will benefit patient care and support outside relationships that promise public benefit. In order for the discoveries of Cleveland Clinic physicians' and scientists' laboratories and investigations to benefit the public, these discoveries must be commercialized in partnership with industry. As experts in their fields, Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists are often sought after by industry to consult, provide expertise and education.

To assure professional and commercial integrity in such matters, Cleveland Clinic maintains a program that reviews these collaborations and, when appropriate, puts measures in place to minimize bias that may result from ties to industry. Cleveland Clinic publicly discloses the names of companies when (i) its physicians/scientists receive $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) for speaking and consulting, (ii) its physicians/scientists serve as a fiduciary, (iii) its physicians/scientists receive or have the right to receive royalties or (iv) its physicians/ scientists hold any equity interest for the physician's/scientist's role as inventor, discoverer, developer, founder or consultant.* In publicly disclosing this information, Cleveland Clinic tries to provide information as accurately as possible about its physicians' and scientists' connections with industry.

As of 9/11/2023, Dr. Highland has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below. In general, patients should feel free to contact their doctor about any of the relationships and how the relationships are overseen by Cleveland Clinic. To learn more about Cleveland Clinic's policies on collaborations with industry and innovation management, go to our Integrity in Innovation page.

Consulting and/or Speaking. Dr. Highland receives fees of $5,000 or more per year (or, in rare cases, equity or stock options) as a paid consultant, speaker or as a member of an advisory committee for the following companies:

  • Boehringer Ingelheim
  • Aerami Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., formerly Dance Biopharm Holdings Inc.
  • Liquidia Technologies, Inc.
  • Foresee Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.
  • Merck & Co., Inc.
  • aTyr Pharma, Inc.
  • Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
  • United Therapeutics Corporation

Public Health Service-Reportable Financial Conflicts of Interest. Cleveland Clinic scientists and physicians engage in basic, translational and clinical research activities, working to solve health problems, enhance patient care and improve quality of life for patients. Interactions with industry are essential to bringing the researchers' discoveries to the public, but can present the potential for conflicts of interest related to their research activities. Click here to view a listing of instances where Cleveland Clinic has identified a Public Health Service (PHS)-Reportable Financial Conflict of Interest and has put measures in place to ensure that, to the extent possible, the design, conduct and reporting of the research is free from bias.

* Cleveland Clinic physicians and scientists subscribe to the guidance presented in the PhRMA Code on Interactions with Healthcare Professionals and the AdvaMed Code of Ethics on Interactions with Health Care Professionals. As such, gifts of substantial value are generally prohibited.

Patient Satisfaction Reviews

166 Patient Satisfaction Reviews

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

The comments are submitted by patients and reflect their views and opinions. The comments are not endorsed by and do not necessarily reflect the views of Cleveland Clinic.

Overall Star Ratings
4.9 out of 5
Explains 4.8
Courtesy, Respect & Concern 4.9
Patient Rating of Doctor 4.9

54 Patient Comments

Reviewed on Feb 12, 2024

I spoke only briefly with Dr. Highland. I mainly spoke with Dr. Tereza. Dr. Highland didn't go over any of my specific tests. She said about my cares that if it isn't broken, do not try to fix it. She also said she was rec commending another cardiologist.

Reviewed on Jan 10, 2024

Doctor Highland is very caring and professional

Reviewed on Jan 9, 2024

Dr Highland always listens to my questions and comes up with a care plan. I wouldn't be here today without her.

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2024

She's wonderful Dr I feel I'm getting great care

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2024

Dr Highland and her staff are all amazing caring individuals. So efficient and awesome

Reviewed on Jan 8, 2024

One of the best caring doctors ever had and I adore her and all her syaff

Reviewed on Dec 12, 2023

Dr highland is wonderful

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2023

Dr. Highland explains information clearly, answers questions thoroughly, and is supportive and encouraging. I appreciate the suggestions; I ordered the electric gloves to keep my hands warm this winter!

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2023

Dr. Highland has continually informed me of possibilities for treatment and respectfully addressed any concerns I expressed.

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2023

This was a scheduled follow-up; video visit arranged by provider. The web portal is great tool, I it to communicate with provider and always receive a timely response.

Reviewed on Dec 5, 2023

Dr. Highland is responsive to my concerns, and respectful of me and my opinions regarding my health care. She provides detailed explanations and includes me in decision making.

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2023

Dr Highland is the best!!!

Reviewed on Dec 4, 2023

From day one, I got the best care from Dr Highland and her team. I am very lucky to have been sent to her, because I am now in much better health than before. It's been a long journey for me, but thanks to the Clinic and all the other doctors and nurses, I am finally feeling better.

Reviewed on Nov 27, 2023

Dr Highland was wonderful.. Very knowledgeable about my health issues

Reviewed on Nov 14, 2023

The only concern I had was the lack of time I was able to speak directly to Dr. HIGHLAND. I had several questIons and they went out of my mind the momemt she started talking. That was as much my fault as hers, but encourage her to ask if there ARE OTHER QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2023

Dr Highland is wonderful!

Reviewed on Nov 13, 2023

Dr. Highland listened very carefully as I explained everything I'd gone through this summer with my health. I could tell she was truly concerned as to what I'd been going through.

Reviewed on Nov 6, 2023

Very personal always communicate very well with me great doctor.

Reviewed on Oct 23, 2023

Always feel like Dr. Highland cares about my progress.

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2023

I travel from South Carolina to see Dr. Highland. She is an expert in my rare medical condition. Even though she is a rock star in her field, she takes the time to deal with my many concerns. She involves me in my own medical decisions and I greatly appreciate that she collaborates with my local doctors. I feel very lucky to have her as my doctor.

Reviewed on Oct 11, 2023

Dr Highland was knowledgeable, experienced and kind. Spent 90 minutes with me and I left feeling at peace.

Reviewed on Oct 9, 2023

Dr Highland, and staff are always wonderful. I just adore Dr Highland, she cares so much and really does everything she can to help me

Reviewed on Sep 20, 2023

Dr Highland was wonderful!

Reviewed on Sep 19, 2023

Dr. Highland is one of the best physicians I have ever encountered. Intelligent, thoughtful and responsive. She has contributed greatly to improving my disease process and quality of life.

Reviewed on Sep 12, 2023

Dr. Highland and her staff were very caring and showed concern.

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2023

Dr. Highland, Should win the Doctor of all times Award!!! Droping the Mic!!!!

Reviewed on Aug 29, 2023

Dr Highland has been the Best Dr. I ever encountered in my 64 years of living!!!

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2023

I recommended my son to Dr. Highland. She has been an inspiration and have had a direct impact on my recovery.

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2023

Sr Highland is one of the best doctors I've ever had she is absolutely amazing

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2023

Dr Highland listened carefully to all my concerns, and answered all my questions completely.

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2023

Dr highland is an excellent doctor. She demonstrates concern and caring to her patients. She provides education regarding all aspects of care. I thank God everyday for her!

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2023

Dr. Highland is such a caring, kind, intelligent individual. She makes me (and my husband) feel listened to, takes time to be sure she checks all issues and gets more info if she doesn't know something. She is exceptional.

Reviewed on Aug 1, 2023

Dr. Highland is the best! She comes in prepared! She knows her patients. She listens and cares. Extremely personable. She is an expert in her field. I love her!

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2023

Excellent experience. Doctor Highland was very helpful and easy to understand.

Reviewed on Jul 18, 2023

I travel from Florida to Cleveland once a year that is how strongly I feel about my care with Doctor Highland

Reviewed on Jul 17, 2023

Really like Dr Highland! And the Resident working with her!

Reviewed on Jul 5, 2023

Dr Highland listens to my questions, and we come up with a care plan.

Reviewed on Jul 3, 2023

Dr. Highland is the best of the best.

Reviewed on Jun 28, 2023

Dr . Highland always asks questions about my condition and explains the treatment plan in detail. She is an outstanding Doctor!

Reviewed on Jun 14, 2023

Dr. Highland is exemplary. Not only is she outstanding in her field, but she caring and thorough. I feel lucky to have her for a doctor.

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2023

Excellent Doctor. Spent over an hour going over my history and what to do moving forward

Reviewed on Jun 5, 2023

Nothing but praise for Dr. Highland.

Reviewed on May 31, 2023

I absolutely love Dr. Highland. She listens to you and is a great doctor.

Reviewed on May 31, 2023

The tele-visit saved me another trip to Cleveland from the Youngstown are. Dr. Highland reviewed my test results and covered everything that would have been discussed in an on site visit.

Reviewed on May 30, 2023

I am always am a wiser person about my issues/concerns after a consult with Dr. Highland

Reviewed on May 15, 2023

She had plenty of patience with me when doing the breathing test.

Reviewed on May 9, 2023

She was very easy to communicate with. She listened to my concerns and gave professional advice.

Reviewed on May 1, 2023

Dr. Highland is my favorite doctor. She is professional, empathetic, helpful, and caring. I wish all my providers were as awesome as she is.

Reviewed on May 1, 2023

She was very easy to talk to about my concerns.

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2023

Very personable, explains every detail of what going on with my health. Awesome Doctor.

Reviewed on Apr 25, 2023

Dr Azar was with dDr. Highlandvery professional and informational and pleasant great Dr. Too.

Reviewed on Apr 24, 2023

Dr. Highland provided excellent healthcare services for me. It was clear that she researched my history quite thoroughly and sought to give me high quality health care.

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2023

Love Dr. Highland and her staff. I live 3.5 hours away. They accommodate for that which is wonderful. Dr. Highland actually listens and does her best to help with my health needs. She's wonderful!!

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2023

Dr. Highland is the bomb!!

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