OUR PROVIDERS
Meet Our Expert Medical Team
Our board-certified physicians bring years of experience and a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. Get to know the providers who will guide your health journey.
Dr. McIntosh
Upon completion of her fellowship training in 1986, Dr. McIntosh became Assistant Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency at Hurley hospital, Assistant Clinical Professor of Michigan State University School of Human Medicine and Clerkship Director of Internal Medicine at MSU. Her responsibilities included an outpatient Rheumatology practice, Inpatient Rheumatology consultations, teaching, research, and administration. In 1993, she was named Program Director of the Internal Medicine Residency at Hurley. During her tenure at Hurley, she was named a Fellow of the American College of Rheumatology. She continued her teaching, residency and administrative duties with the residency and medical school until 2004 when she opened the Michigan Rheumatology Practice.
Dr. McIntosh has served as a volunteer board member of the Arthritis Foundation, Michigan chapter and continues to teach medical students and residents in her medical practice
Dr. Karrar
Dr. Karrar is a Board Certified Rheumatologist. He graduated from the University of Khartoum in Sudan. He did training in Sudan and the United Kingdom. He completed his fellowship at Rush Presbyterian St. Lukes Medical Center in Chicago, IL. Dr. Karrar completed his residency at Hurley Medical Center in Flint, MI. He later obtained his membership at the Royal College of Physicians.
Dr. Karrar established his Rheumatology Practice in 2000. In addition to practicing at his office, he also trains and teaches residents and conducts clinical research.
Elizabeth Blanzy
Elizabeth Blanzy is a Family Nurse Practitioner. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Michigan State University in 2017 and began her nursing career as a Registered Nurse in the Intensive Care Unit. In 2022, Elizabeth earned her Master of Science in Nursing as a Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Michigan. Elizabeth enjoys building meaningful relationships with her patients and providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. Outside of work she enjoys spending time outside and traveling with her family.
Ayla Koenigsknecht
Ayla Koenigsknecht is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner who joined Michigan Rheumatology Group in October 2025. She earned both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and Master of Science in Nursing with a Family Nurse Practitioner concentration from Michigan State University. Ayla brings a diverse clinical background spanning rheumatology, hematology and oncology, critical care, neuroscience, and perioperative medicine. She is passionate about building trusting relationships with her patients and providing thoughtful, individualized care through education, collaboration, and shared decision-making.