Swedish Hospital Radiologist Dorothy Lam, MD, will be competing on “Jeopardy!” on Friday, Nov. 12. The show, currently airing on ABC7-Chicago at 3:30 p.m. weekdays, remains popular since its 1964 start and appearing on the program is a dream for many people. We asked Dr. Lam about her experience.

How did you get to the point in which you were officially invited to play?
I was on maternity leave with our second daughter in January and got to watch “Jeopardy!” daily. I decided to try the Anytime test, which is on the “Jeopardy!” website. I didn’t hear anything for 7-8 months and didn’t think much about it. In August, I got an email saying I made it to the next round, which was a written test held over Zoom. A few days later, I was invited for a 3rd test which involved us playing Jeopardy also over Zoom. A week later, in mid-September, I got a phone call asking if I could come to LA in two weeks!

When did the filming happen?
I was in LA Sept. 27-28 for filming. They film five shows a day. Producers draw names out of a hat to see who will play right before a game.

What did you do to prepare?
As a physician, you have done a lot of schooling, but were there areas you felt you needed to study?
I read a lot of books! My husband (my biggest supporter) ordered about 50 pounds of reference books on geography, history, religion, Shakespeare, and cultural literacy. I watched a lot of “Jeopardy!” episodes too. I have to say – it was the most fun I’ve had studying for a test. I got to study a little bit of everything!

Ken Jennings was the host – what is he like in person?
Ken Jennings is super nice and down-to-earth. The producers were enthusiastic, friendly people. The other contestants were an extremely interesting, diverse group of people who all loved learning. It was an amazing experience, like nothing else I’ve ever done before. I also have never been so nervous in my life.

You can’t tell us the outcome – right?
I can say – I finish in the top 3 on Friday!