Advising AI startups in healthcare involves translating lived experiences into design input and making tools usable under pressure.Knowing the workflow and pain points within real healthcare systems is crucial for AI tool integration and effectiveness.Early testing, real-world validation, and input from various perspectives enhance the development of successful AI tools in healthcare.Focusing on a specific use case, maintaining simplicity, and incorporating diverse voices are key to building resilient and effective AI solutions.Responsible AI design, ethical considerations, and transparency in healthcare AI are essential for building trust and ensuring positive outcomes.Connecting clinical wins to business outcomes and demonstrating the impact of AI tools is important for sustainability and securing funding.Continuous involvement, engagement, and shaping of the product are vital for effective advising of AI healthcare startups.Being a valuable advisor means helping AI products work for real people in real care settings through curiosity, humility, and understanding.Guiding with respect for the complexity of care helps in building lasting and impactful AI tools that address real-world healthcare challenges.