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 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
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 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
- Merck & Co., Inc.
- Aerami Therapeutics Holdings, Inc., formerly Dance Biopharm Holdings Inc.
- Foresee Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd.
- Liquidia Technologies, Inc.
- aTyr Pharma, Inc.
- United Therapeutics Corporation
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals, 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.
202 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 | 4.9 | |
Patient Rating of Doctor | 4.9 |
57 Patient Comments
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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!!
Reviewed on Mar 15, 2023
Dr. Highland is a fantastic physician. Intelligent and compassionate
Reviewed on Mar 15, 2023
Dr. Highland is an amazing physician! I rely heavily on her advice and treatment plans!
Reviewed on Mar 13, 2023
Dr. Highland and her team are very thorough and listen to your concerns.
Reviewed on Feb 27, 2023
Dr highland is comforting, concerned and compassionate. She listens and respects me
Reviewed on Feb 27, 2023
Doctor Highland is a wonderful doctor and has helped me tremendously with intelligence and so caring. I love her and Doctor Mandel. I owe them for my good health.
Reviewed on Feb 22, 2023
I have never had a dr spend as much time with me and explaine what was going on and tx options like Dr Highland did.
Reviewed on Feb 9, 2023
Dr. Holland was excellent in terms of answering all of my questions and making recommendations for my care.
Reviewed on Feb 7, 2023
Dr Highland coordinated with Dr Sethi and had me in surgery within days of our telehealth visit.
Reviewed on Feb 7, 2023
I have the utmost trust in Dr Highland
Reviewed on Feb 7, 2023
Very hurried, no questions were asked, on to the next patient, asking if I would mind seeing the NP instead of her(my doctor)
Reviewed on Jan 24, 2023
Emailed Dr Highland for assistance in getting information to my pulmonologist in RIReceived a prompt response
Reviewed on Jan 18, 2023
I recommend Dr. Highland to a lot of the scleroderma people I meet
Reviewed on Jan 17, 2023
Dr Highland was very informative she had a plan of treatment ready to present. Gave me the options available. Took her time and made sure I understood the information.
Reviewed on Jan 10, 2023
I am very blessed to have been referred to Dr. K. Highland.
Reviewed on Jan 9, 2023
Dr Highland, MD in my opinion is one of the best doctors I've ever had. She is so caring and compassionate and always helps me be true asset to the Cleveland Clinic so highly intelligent
Reviewed on Dec 12, 2022
Dr. Highland is one of the nicest physician I have ever met. She has real concern for her patients.
Reviewed on Dec 7, 2022
Very good at answering all my questions and very supportive of my condition. She as always makes me feel much better mentally after a visit with her.
Reviewed on Dec 7, 2022
I highly recommend Dr. Highland and have been very fortunate to have her in my Cleveland Clinic journey.