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
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 2/27/2022, 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:
- United Therapeutics Corporation
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Ltd.
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.
143 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 | 4.8 | |
| Courtesy, Respect & Concern | 5 | |
| Patient Rating of Doctor | 5 |
46 Patient Comments
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Reviewed on Sep 6, 2022
This is the first time I've ever used Zoom. It was a breeze and it seemed like I was in the office with Dr. Highland.
Reviewed on Aug 31, 2022
I prefer in visit because I like to see my provider but work and distance make video fine
Reviewed on Aug 30, 2022
My care will be changing and my condition has changed so I was upset. Dr Highland took her time to explain treatment options and is scheduling further tests
Reviewed on Jul 13, 2022
I always can get in touch with Dr Highlands office staff.
Reviewed on Jul 13, 2022
I trust Dr Highland's opinion for my treatment.
Reviewed on Jul 13, 2022
Dr. Highland is phenomenal. I have been visiting her since approximately 2015. She very likely saved my life.
Reviewed on Jun 29, 2022
Dr. Highland is a doctor that listens and really cares about you as a person.
Reviewed on Jun 29, 2022
Dr Highland was knowledgeable about my file and symptoms. She is kind, caring, and is an excellent doctor.
Reviewed on Jun 29, 2022
Love Dr Highland and her staff
Reviewed on Jun 29, 2022
I can't say it enough times. I love Dr Highland and her staff!!
Reviewed on Jun 28, 2022
Dr. Highland is probably the best physician I have ever had. She Is very natural. She sets you at ease and doesn't intimidate because she has a sense of humor. Her compassion is as great as her intelligence. Most of all, she handled my illness with the urgency it required. If you can let her know that she has received stellar praise on a survey, would you kindly do so? Thank you for having such a wonderful doctor on staff.
Reviewed on Jun 28, 2022
Dr needed more test results before any care plan could be drafted.
Reviewed on Jun 27, 2022
I really appreciate Dr Highland. When my local pulmonologist had no plan of action, Dr Highland does.
Reviewed on Jun 22, 2022
Dr. Highland has given me the highest amount of attention to my issues and have worked with other providers in the Cleveland Clinic to make sure all my issues are being addressed and treated to the high standards she works by.
Reviewed on Jun 22, 2022
The video visit is marked a 3, for I'm in person type of patient. But seeing I live 5 hours away one direction and we was only talking about medicine treatment, I'm glad the provider suggested doing it on video.
Reviewed on Jun 13, 2022
Love Dr. Highland! She listens and explains everything and is highly concerned about her patients. Would not have any other doctor!
Reviewed on Jun 7, 2022
Dr. Highland has extended my life several times over with her knowledge of my very rare and progressive lung disease.
Reviewed on Jun 6, 2022
Dr Highland presented my diagnosis in a positive way and showed much empathy.
Reviewed on May 18, 2022
Dr Highland is wonderful and cares for me in a holistic manner
Reviewed on May 11, 2022
Dr Highland is always helpful and accommodating.
Reviewed on May 11, 2022
Dr Highland is one of the best physicians I have ever had care for me.
Reviewed on Apr 19, 2022
Dr Highland treated me with respect. She took the time to answer my questions fully and in terms that I could easily understand. She showed great concern for my health.
Reviewed on Apr 18, 2022
Provider was very welcoming and concerned about my care and the reason for my visit.
Reviewed on Apr 5, 2022
Overall my visit was there was great. Everyone was polite, friendly and very helpful. Dr Highland is a wonderful person and I am lucky to have he as my doctor.
Reviewed on Mar 30, 2022
Dr. Highland is very professional and cares about my care. I recommend her to anyone having pulmonary symptoms.
Reviewed on Mar 30, 2022
Dr. Highland has always made me feel that my care was her top priority.
Reviewed on Mar 29, 2022
Dr Highland was excellent.She answered all of my questions and discussed treatment options and plans in detail. She is an expert in her field and an excellent listener .I feel privileged to have her manage my care.
Reviewed on Feb 16, 2022
Dr highland is excellent in her provision of care for me
Reviewed on Jan 24, 2022
Dr. Highland's staff is EXCELLENT!
Reviewed on Jan 24, 2022
I have the highest respect for Dr. Highland. She is thorough, caring, respectful, polite, very intelligent and everything you'd want in a doctor.
Reviewed on Jan 19, 2022
Dr. Highland is always responsive and caring.
Reviewed on Jan 18, 2022
Dr. Highland deals with me (and I would imagine all of her patients) very honestly and directly. This is very much appreciated. I wouldn't trade her for anyone!
Reviewed on Jan 14, 2022
Dr. Highland always takes time to listen to my questions and concerns. I feel she is very proactive with the course of my treatment plan.
Reviewed on Jan 11, 2022
Overall experience exceptional. I have been at Clinic a few times now and each time all staff was courteous and professional. Dr. Highland took the time to listen, very caring and concerned. Great experience, would highly recommend. Thank you.
Reviewed on Dec 14, 2021
Dr highland is a kind, caring person who listens to my every concern and involves me in my care decisions
Reviewed on Dec 14, 2021
Dr. Highland, and her staff are absolutely fantastic. She explains everything in a manor you understand it completely, giving you the treatment plan going forward. I highly recommend her to anyone I can. I actually look forward to coming up from FL to see her for my visits.
Reviewed on Dec 14, 2021
Dr highland cares for her patient!!
Reviewed on Dec 8, 2021
Dr Highland too time to explain everything and make sure I understood.
Reviewed on Dec 6, 2021
Dr. Highland is professional but friendly. She is compassionate. She empathizes with all areas of my health, with specific consecration on the pulmonary issues. I would highly recommend her to others. Her staff that also worked with me were also excellent.
Reviewed on Dec 2, 2021
Dr. Highland is compassionate, thoughtful, responsive and excellent physician. I am lucky to have her caring for me.
Reviewed on Nov 15, 2021
Dr Highland is brilliant and I feel lucky to have found her!
Reviewed on Nov 2, 2021
Dr. Highland was great, understood exactly what was going on with me , had reviewed my chart for pmhx. She prescribed a course of tx that made sense and was very encouraging and supportive.
Reviewed on Nov 1, 2021
My experience is always great I I'm Very pleased with Dr HighlandThank you
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.