diff --git a/src/openjarvis/cli/doctor_cmd.py b/src/openjarvis/cli/doctor_cmd.py
index 15a66f33..07f35c2e 100644
--- a/src/openjarvis/cli/doctor_cmd.py
+++ b/src/openjarvis/cli/doctor_cmd.py
@@ -170,7 +170,13 @@ def _check_default_model() -> CheckResult:
     from openjarvis.core.registry import EngineRegistry
     from openjarvis.engine import _discovery
 
-    for key in sorted(EngineRegistry.keys()):
+    preferred = config.intelligence.preferred_engine or config.engine.default
+    check_order = []
+    if preferred:
+        check_order.append(preferred)
+    check_order += [k for k in sorted(EngineRegistry.keys()) if k != preferred]
+
+    for key in check_order:
         try:
             engine = _discovery._make_engine(key, config)
             if engine.health():