Kristin Highland, MD
Specialty in Diseases & Conditions
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
- Lung Dominant Connective Tissue Disease
- Polymyositis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Rheumatic Lung Disease
- Sarcoidosis
- Scleroderma
- Vasculitis
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View All PlansAbout 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
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
Certifications
- Internal Medicine - Pulmonary Disease
- Internal Medicine - Critical Care Medicine
- Internal Medicine - Rheumatology
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
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 2/18/2021, 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 as a paid consultant, speaker or member of an advisory committee for the following companies:
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.
Donation of Financial Interest. Dr. Highland has consulted for, received compensation for serving as a fiduciary from, or received royalties from the following companies but instructed them to donate all compensation to not-for-profit causes or to the Cleveland Clinic to support research and education:
- Acceleron Pharma, Inc.
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.
206 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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Explains | 4.9 | |
| Listens | 4.5 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 4.9 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 4.9 |
38 Patient Comments
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Reviewed on Sep 28, 2021
A visit with Dr. Kristen Highland is always an educational as well as pleasant experience. She gets right to the point of my questions.
Reviewed on Sep 28, 2021
Dr. Kristen Highland is the smartest and more knowledgeable doctor I have ever had.
Reviewed on Sep 28, 2021
If course I prefer seeing Dr. Highland in person. But, the video visits are great during this Pandemic and with my hesitancy to travel from Tennessee.
Reviewed on Sep 21, 2021
Dr Highland very through and looked at my health as a whole person
Reviewed on Sep 21, 2021
Dr Highland is an excellent doctor. Best doctor I have ever had.
Reviewed on Aug 18, 2021
I absolutely love Dr. Highland. She saved my life. Truly. I never want to see anyone else. She has been a God send to me.
Reviewed on Aug 11, 2021
Dr. Highland has always helped me whenever I needed help. Highly recommend her as a doctor
Reviewed on Aug 6, 2021
The care received from Dr. Highland is second to none. She always makes sure you understand everything about your medical health at all levels. In addition, and most importantly, she cares for you the individual.
Reviewed on Jul 27, 2021
Dr Highland is a gem!
Reviewed on Jul 21, 2021
Dr. Highland is one of the best Doctor's in the world! She genuinely cares for her patients and will not stop until she finds a solution.
Reviewed on Jul 20, 2021
Dr Highland always takes time to listen to questions and answer them to our satisfaction
Reviewed on Jul 20, 2021
Dr Highland is the best!!
Reviewed on Jul 6, 2021
I just love Dr Highland and I have every confidence in her and her staff.
Reviewed on Jun 7, 2021
dr sese also met with me. she was amazing, listened and showed real concern. dr highland is always completely attentive and understanding.
Reviewed on Jun 7, 2021
This is the first time any of the Drs. at the Clinic showed any true concern for my problem, Dr. Highland and her associate were very personable, compassionate. I really liked both of them.
Reviewed on May 8, 2021
Dr Highland was professional, patient and very knowledgeable
Reviewed on May 4, 2021
Dr. Highland explained the new treatment in an easy to understand way, and carefully and fully answered all my questions.
Reviewed on Apr 26, 2021
Dr. Highland was outstanding. She explained several issues, was attentive and patient. Her confidence bred confidence and was much appreciated.
Reviewed on Apr 21, 2021
Dr. Highland is one of the most compassionate Dr's I have ever met. She listens and takes everything I say very seriously. She treats me with dignity, respect and as an individual not a diagnosis.
Reviewed on Apr 7, 2021
Love Dr Highland and the time she takes to explain things and answer any questions
Reviewed on Mar 30, 2021
Dr Highland is very compassionate and sees me as a whole person
Reviewed on Mar 30, 2021
Dr. Highland and her resident were very professional, listen to all my concerns, and offered possible suggestions for care. Their honesty was very much appreciated
Reviewed on Mar 29, 2021
Dr Highland listens to all of my concerns and makes suggestions to improve care. I find her very caring a d a good listener.
Reviewed on Mar 9, 2021
Dr Highland is an excellent physician. Always available for concerns. promptly returns calls.
Reviewed on Mar 2, 2021
Dr. Highland is excellent.
Reviewed on Mar 2, 2021
dr. Highland always goes above and beyond in her role as my pulmonologist without limitations.
Reviewed on Feb 24, 2021
I think her name was Chasity from the office. she was great in arranging a video visit with Dr Highland. she went out of her way to help me and I am grateful for her compassion and help. Dr Highland was great in arranging our chat so I quickly. I know that she cares about me. Thanks to both ladies.
Reviewed on Feb 23, 2021
Dr Highland is very good, extremely knowledgeable, patient, listens, totally trust her
Reviewed on Feb 23, 2021
dr highland is so caring and thorough. always listens
Reviewed on Feb 9, 2021
I was seen first, by Dr. Sami Abuqayyas, then by Dr Highland. Both were extremely thorough in their iquiries about my medical conditions. At the same time, I felt quite at ease with their demeanor and the personal manner in which they discussed treatment options and future visits.
Reviewed on Feb 8, 2021
Dr. Highland is very caring and takes the time to listen and discuss any concerns I might have.
Reviewed on Jan 20, 2021
Dr. Highland did an amazing job at answering my questions and with me being a nurse there were a lot. I would highly recommend her. You are lucky to have her on your team!!
Reviewed on Jan 20, 2021
Dr. Highland's professionalism and understanding of my needs and concerns is the main reason that I continue to be her patient.
Reviewed on Jan 18, 2021
I really enjoyed my session with Dr. Highland. She was caring, informative, kind and considerate of my concerns.
Reviewed on Jan 6, 2021
Dr. Highland is terrific. I have enjoyed working with her, and appreciate the direction she has given me, and the care. She has been a great advocate for my health!!!
Reviewed on Dec 9, 2020
Dr Highland is the most caring , amazing doctor I have ever seen.
Reviewed on Dec 8, 2020
Dr Highland puts me at ease during the visit
Reviewed on Dec 2, 2020
The visit went well. Dr. highland was professional in her approach.