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
Request Second Opinion
Get the peace of mind you deserve. When it matters most, you can count on a second opinion from the experts at Cleveland Clinic. Find answers. Feel confident. Get a Second Opinion.
Locations
- Beachwood Family Health and Surgery Center
- 26900 Cedar Road, Beachwood, OH 44122
- Get Directions
- A Building - Crile Building
- 2049 East 100th Street, Cleveland, OH 44106
- 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 2025-06-20, 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:
- Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
- United Therapeutics Corporation
- Boehringer Ingelheim
- Gossamer Bio
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
182 ratings, 46 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 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
Dr Highland and the Cleveland clinic never fail me!
- 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 1/9/2026
I value and trust Dr Highland with my health care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Dr Highland is an exceptional provider
- 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
Dr Highland is very knowledgeable and very caring and understanding.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 1/9/2026
Love Dr Highland
- 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 1/6/2026
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.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/28/2025
I feel secure with my health in Dr Highland's care. I'm fortunate to benelit from the breadth of her knowledge and ger thoughShe's thoughtful, patient, and takes the time to address my issues.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/28/2025
Dr highland always makes me feel that she cares about me and my care
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/28/2025
It is always an excellent experience with Dr. Highland. I am extremely confident in her skills, expertise, experience and care. She listens to her patient. She responds to my concerns promptly.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Highly recommend Dr Highland for patients that had pulmonary issues
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Dr Highland always gives me quick attention if I call or My Chart. Which is reassuring.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/22/2025
Dr Highland said I want you to be able to live a bigger life, not a smaller one. What a great thing to say to a 73 yo woman! She truly cares. And is so very competent and knowledgeable.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
Dr. Highland listens and respects the patients concerns and need for understandable answers. She is patient, professional, and compassionate. And always interacts with good humor.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
Dr. Highland helped schedule my appointment quickly due to flare up with sarcoidosis.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
Doctor listen to my situation and concerns. Gave me all of the time I needed to ask questions and provided well thought out answers.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
Patrick and Dr Highland work like a well-oiled machine to get the task accomplished!!!!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
I rely on Dr Highland to keep me as healthy as possible. When she realized I had on on-going concern, she had me immediately report to the Clinic for testing . She doesn't place a BandAid on the problem, she gets to its root. I have the utmost respect for her and will be appreciative for the rest of my life.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 7/15/2025
I drive over 5 hours so I can be treated by Dr. Highland. There aren't enough accolades I can give her.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/16/2025
Dr. Highland is an outstandingly competent and caring physician.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
Dr highland is wonderful
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 6/9/2025
I have had Dr. Highland since 2017 and I have always enjoyed seeing her for my visits. I appreciate that she includes my decisions in my care, and that she is kind and caring!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/29/2025
Dr Highland is very professional & personable. I highly respect her insight and recommendations regarding my care.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/12/2025
Wonderful doctor!
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 5/4/2025
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.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
Dr Highland has always made herself available and easy to contact.
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
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
- 5 out of 5 starsReviewed on 4/25/2025
My Dr. Is great. Explains everything well.