Highlights
Age Groups Seen
- Adult
Languages
- English
Gender
FemaleAbout Kristin Highland
Biography
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
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Locations
- A Building - Crile Building
- 2049 East 100th Street, Cleveland, OH 44106
- Get Directions
- Beachwood Family Health and Surgery Center
- 26900 Cedar Road, Beachwood, OH 44122
- Get Directions
Education & Board Certifications
Education
- Graduate School: Medical Univ of South Carolina
- Fellowship: MUSC Medical Center of Medical University of South Carolina, 2006
- Fellowship: MUSC Medical Center of Medical University of South Carolina, 2002
- Medical Education: United States Air Force, 1999
- Residency: MUSC Medical Center of Medical University of South Carolina, 1996
- Residency: MUSC Medical Center of Medical University of South Carolina, 1994
- Medical Education: Indiana University School of Medicine, 1993
- Undergraduate: Indiana University, 1989
Board Certifications
- Rheumatology: American Board of Internal Medicine, 2012
- Critical Care Medicine: American Board of Internal Medicine, 2002
- Pulmonary Disease: American Board of Internal Medicine, 2001
Research & Publications
See publications for this provider. (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 collaborate with industry to advance medical breakthroughs. These partnerships help commercialize discoveries for public benefit while maintaining scientific integrity. To ensure transparency and minimize potential bias, Cleveland Clinic reviews these relationships and publicly discloses when physicians/scientists receive significant compensation for consulting, serve in fiduciary roles, receive royalties, or hold equity interests related to their work. We manage potential conflicts through approval processes, annual reporting, and targeted management plans.
As of 2026-01-30, Dr. Highland has reported the financial relationships with the companies listed below.
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:
- Gossamer Bio
- Avalyn Pharma, Inc.
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Merck & Co., 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.
Insurances Accepted
Video
Ratings & Reviews
4.9 out of 5
170 ratings, 35 reviewsThe Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/1/2026
I have had and have several good doctors at home but, Dr. Highland, my doctor at CC, is the best doctor I have ever had - anywhere. It is worth my travels to go there. The tests and care feels more thorough in execution, analysis, and reporting.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2026
Dr Highland is an amazing physician
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2026
I have never had such an in-depth consultation related to my apparent diagnosis. I was so favorably Impressed with Dr. Highland that I asked her to become my primary physician. She accepted!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/26/2026
Dr. Highland is very professional but also friendly and easy to talk to. I feel comfortable asking questions and never feel rushed. She seems to really care about her patients.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/2/2026
Dr. Highland answered all of my questions and provided some very good advice.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/19/2026
Im used to the nurse returning after the Dr had seen me. We waited for 15 minutes, she never came back in to give me usual paperwork with med changes.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2026
So pleased with my care and treatment, my provider has my disease, in check and remission as of now.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2026
Dr Highland is an amazing doctor. She has always made me feel seen and heard. When I tell her I feel like I''m going crazy, she ensures me I''m not and that all my concerns are valid. She is the BEST!
- 4 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/8/2026
I feel I was not fully prepared for drm Highlands questions regarding heart issues (I will cover with my cardio doc soon) and then be better prepared for drHighlands questions. (Ie what more can I achieve with different meds to walk further do more.steps..I know I probably cannot be with oxygen Need recommendations
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/4/2026
Video visit is fine but in person is preferred but not always conveniet for me Im 3.5-4 hours away. Always appreciate Dr Highland expertise and professionalism. Ive been seeing her for 13 years.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/15/2026
Dr highland always listens to my questions and concerns. She totally explains my treatment. She''s a very caring physician
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/6/2026
Dr Highland is wonderful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/31/2026
Dr. Highland always provides the best care. She''s confident in her skills and an expert in her specialty. I feel heard, seen and cared for every visit.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/12/2026
Counter blessings that Dr Kristen Highland, is part of your medical staff. She is the most caring knowledgeable amazing Dr I have ever seen she goes above and beyond. I just love her to pieces.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 3/5/2026
Dr. Highland took the time to listen to my concerns. She devised a treatment plan specifically for me as an individual. Excellent!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 2/18/2026
Dr. Highland is the best. Very knowledgeable, caring, and easy to talk with. She is a wonderful physician and person!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/28/2026
Dr Highland never talks down to me. She explains everything and takes time to include us in decisions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/28/2026
Dr Highland is amazing. She never dismisses me as a sad old lady with chronic conditions. She says, I want you to live a big life, Diane, not a smaller one! I LOVE this doctor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/26/2026
Everyone in my family knows Dr. Highland's name because she is the bomb Diggity!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/26/2026
Dr Highland and the Cleveland clinic never fail me!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
I value and trust Dr Highland with my health care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Dr. Highland (and all her staff) are OUTSTANDING!! Knowledge about my rare condition and clear explanation of care is something that I am so grateful for. Dr. Highland has been so reassuring as I travel down this new path of dealing with a chronic condition. This is so supportive of maximize whole life enjoyment!!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Dr Highland is awesome!!! She knows what's wrong, and what could go wrong, and she makes sure she addresses all of my issues . Dr Highland knows I have a notebook with questions, and she always sees that those are answered.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Love Dr Highland
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Dr Highland is very knowledgeable and very caring and understanding.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Dr Highland is an exceptional provider
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/6/2026
Dr Highland is very knowledgeable and supportive. I'm very happy to be her patient.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/26/2025
She is a very good doctor and very knowledgeable and understanding.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 12/26/2025
Dr Highland takes very good care of me.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 11/4/2025
Dr. Highland is very knowledgeable and always answers my questions. She puts me at ease and has a great sense of humor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/22/2025
Dr. Highland is super knowledgeable, takes time to make sure I understand everything and all my questions are answered, and seems to truly care about me as an individual not just a number.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 10/7/2025
Dr. Highland is excellent.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 9/22/2025
Recently I have encountered difficulty in rescheduling with Dr. Highland
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/20/2025
Dr Highland spent extra time with me and answered all my questions.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 8/19/2025
Dr. Highland is such a wonderful doctor. She listens to everything and is just a very caring person.