Kristin Highland, MD
Specialty in Diseases & Conditions
- Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)
- Lung Dominant Connective Tissue Disease
- Polymyositis
- Pulmonary Hypertension
- Rheumatoid 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
2006
Fellowship - MUSC Medical Center of Medical University of South Carolina
Pulmonary Disease
Charleston,
SC
2002
Medical Education - United States Air Force
Medicine
Altus,
OK
1999
Residency - MUSC Medical Center of Medical University of South Carolina
Internal Medicine
Charleston,
SC
1996
Residency - MUSC Medical Center of Medical University of South Carolina
Family Medicine
Charleston,
SC
1994
Medical Education - Indiana University School of Medicine
Indianapolis,
IN
1993
Undergraduate - Indiana University
Indianapolis,
IN
1989
Graduate School - Medical Univ of South Carolina
Masters of Science in Clinical Research
Charleston,
SC
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 1/26/2025, 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:
- United Therapeutics Corporation
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- Gossamer Bio
- Boehringer Ingelheim
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.
175 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 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 5 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 5 |
60 Patient Comments
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Reviewed on Apr 15, 2025
I trust Dr. Highland and feel she is the best doctor in the country for treating my rare condition. I feel that I am lucky to have her as a health provider.
Reviewed on Apr 7, 2025
Dr Highland has always made herself available and easy to contact.
Reviewed on Apr 7, 2025
I cannot thank Dr Highland enough for her care for me as a person and a patient over the past five years of my medical journey
Reviewed on Apr 3, 2025
My Dr. Is great. Explains everything well.
Reviewed on Apr 1, 2025
Dr Highland is what all physicians should be
Reviewed on Feb 25, 2025
Dr highland goes above and beyond for me. I can call or message her and she's always attentive and very caring during appointments.
Reviewed on Feb 21, 2025
My experience with Dr. Highland and Jessica Glennie is always excellent! They both listen closely and respond quickly! I totally trust my care in their hands! Both experienced and extremely skillful at what they do.
Reviewed on Feb 8, 2025
Dr Highland arranged this meeting due to her concern for me. I had called her office due to illness and she was concerned.
Reviewed on Feb 8, 2025
Nothing but the highest regard for Dr. Highland. In my opinion, there's no one I trust to care for my sarcoidosis except her.
Reviewed on Feb 8, 2025
I am always looking forward to our appointments as she is very supportive and knowledgeable concerning my illness.
Reviewed on Feb 8, 2025
Dr. Highland is an excellent doctor.
Reviewed on Jan 28, 2025
She is careful to listen to all concerns and then helps me understand what is happening
Reviewed on Jan 20, 2025
She is a Rock star
Reviewed on Jan 7, 2025
Dr. Highland is great!
Reviewed on Dec 18, 2024
Dr. Highland has gone above and beyond to try and help me. I appreciate the time she spent with me.
Reviewed on Dec 17, 2024
Always a great experience when dealing with Dr highland and staff
Reviewed on Dec 2, 2024
I had a great appointment with Dr. Hilands
Reviewed on Nov 5, 2024
Dr. Highland is always wonderful.
Reviewed on Nov 5, 2024
Dr Highland is amazing!! She listens, makes sure I have my questions answered, and comes up with a plan.
Reviewed on Nov 5, 2024
Dr. Highland always is very supportive and caring
Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024
She is a great doctor
Reviewed on Nov 4, 2024
She's a wonderful doctor
Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024
I couldn't be more pleased with my provider
Reviewed on Oct 30, 2024
Dr. Highland checks all of the boxes
Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024
In-person visit with Dr Highland or any of my Doctors is always preferred. I was sick October 29th. Also we do half visits in-person and other half virtual which works fine since I live a distance
Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024
The appointment was scheduled for me and they had all the test they needed accomplished before the appointment with Dr Highland
Reviewed on Oct 29, 2024
She has only seen 4 patients with RP but I appreciate all her expertise in the care she has provided for others.
Reviewed on Oct 28, 2024
Dr. Highland was able to answer all my questions effectively
Reviewed on Oct 22, 2024
Dr Highland is wonderful.
Reviewed on Oct 21, 2024
Excellent provider! One of the best!
Reviewed on Oct 21, 2024
Dr Highland is a caring individual. Her knowledge surpasses others that I know in her field. Takes time and answers all questions. She doesn't make you feel rushed or unheard. 10 stars for her. So happy she is my physician
Reviewed on Oct 15, 2024
Outstanding care which addressed the issue and built confidence in the physician and medical care system! Outstanding in every way. As this was the beginning of care at Cleveland Clinic for a medical condition being treated until now by a physician in Virginia, it was obvious that Dr. Highland's thoroughness, understanding of the issue and treatment options, related conditions, etc exceeded any previous medical care that I've received. Impressive!
Reviewed on Sep 30, 2024
I have always had great care and have used Cleveland Clinic and Dr.Highland and She has given Me a better life with care and treatment.
Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024
Dr Highland was really a Godsend to me. I was struggled to breathe and at times honestly to continue breathing when Dr Highland saw me. My case had been puzzling to my Pulmonologist and Rheumatologist In Indpols and she was able to provide me much relief and hope. Dr Highland was thorough, kind, knowledgable and reassuring. She was able to diagnosis my lung disease and added several medications. Cleveland Clinic completed a O2 ambulating titration correctly and I was able to get adequate home O2 via Dr Highland's timely follow thru with orders /contacting Company. Dr Highland made a follow up appointment so I wouldn't get "lost in space" which I so much appreciate. I'm so grateful to be under Dr Highland's care
Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024
See comments on Dr Highland earlier in survey
Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024
Dr. Highland sincerely has compassion and patience beyond measure. Her knowledge & ability to explain to our family is also incredible. I would be lost without her.
Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024
Dr. Highland & Dr. Siuba worked together to ensure my health issues were well understood.
Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024
Dr Highland is knowledgeable, professional and caring. I drive from VA to see her because she's the best!
Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024
The experience was very good. Mrs. Highland is very personable, professional and easy to talk to and understand. Thank you for the opportunity to have such a knowledgeable, experienced doctor. She truly puts my mind at ease knowing she is in my corner through my life/ health journey.
Reviewed on Sep 17, 2024
The experience was very good. Doctor Highland is very personable, professional and easy to talk to and understand. Thank you for the opportunity to have such a knowledgeable, experienced doctor. She truly puts my mind at ease knowing she is in my corner through my life/ health journey.
Reviewed on Sep 16, 2024
Dr. Highland is a person you have great confidence in what she is suggesting for you
Reviewed on Sep 3, 2024
The only comment I have is that the doctors did not ask me about what physical activities I was doing.
Reviewed on Sep 3, 2024
Dr Highland is an physician and person! She genuinely cares.
Reviewed on Sep 3, 2024
Dr. Highland has always been very attentive and caring. She makes sure that I always completely understand my health issues and treatments.
Reviewed on Aug 26, 2024
Excellent Dr. knows her stuff
Reviewed on Aug 26, 2024
Dr Highland is the most caring doctor!
Reviewed on Aug 21, 2024
The Dr set up the appt
Reviewed on Aug 21, 2024
Dr Highland is an impressive, highly knowledgeable, invested specialist.
Reviewed on Aug 21, 2024
Dr highland and staff, Bekah and Patrick, have been essential in providing me with care I am confident in.
Reviewed on Jul 23, 2024
I LOVE Dr. Highland. She is very compassionate and friendly!
Reviewed on Jul 22, 2024
DR HIGHLAND IS VERY KIND AND PLEASANT. I REALLY LIKE HER AND SHE ANSWERS MESSAGES SWIFTLY.
Reviewed on Jul 15, 2024
Dr Highland is great! I wouldn't be here without her. We work on my list of questions and come up with a plan.
Reviewed on Jul 10, 2024
Dr. Highland is a wonderful and respectful. She shows a great deal of compassion in her work.
Reviewed on Jul 9, 2024
She is always very helpful in helping me with my condition.
Reviewed on Jul 9, 2024
I thought she was great!
Reviewed on Jun 24, 2024
Dr highland is always open to questions and listens to my concerns. She never makes me feel like our time is rushed!
Reviewed on May 14, 2024
I love and respect Dr. Highland and her staff. I drive from New Philadelphia, Ohio. She is extremely intelligent. I so appreciate her.
Reviewed on May 6, 2024
Dr. Highland is the most responsive doctor I've ever had.
Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024
Dr Highlands coordination with all of her administrative and clinical staff was very efficient and effective with no time wasted.
Reviewed on Apr 23, 2024
Dr Highland has exceptional skills in focusing on you as a person. I knew immediately that she cared about me as an individual. Her professional skills were reassuring throughout my meeting with her.