Miss Manners: The men are ‘Doctor,’ but I’m called by my first name

DEAR MISS MANNERS: I would like your advice on how to respectfully correct individuals who insist on addressing me by my given name rather than my professional title, which is “Dr. Smith.”

I was always taught to address adults respectfully by Mrs./Ms./Mr./Dr. and their last name, unless specifically invited to use their given name — a practice that I continue to this day. Yet, even though I never introduce myself using my given name in the professional environment, I frequently am addressed that way by the parents of prospective clients.

I also have noticed that my male colleagues are often referenced or introduced with their titles and last names, whereas the same people use given names for my female colleagues.

I am a licensed psychologist with a specialty in pediatric neuropsychology. I successfully completed three years of undergraduate studies, seven years of graduate school, a year of internship and two years of postdoctoral training and specialization prior to becoming licensed and starting my own private practice seven years ago.