Between the Lines

Microaggressions in Professional Spaces

Why small moments matter—and how attention restores trust

Most professional harm is not caused by overt conflict.

It is caused by small moments that accumulate over time: interruptions, dismissals, divided attention, unacknowledged expertise, and the subtle ways people are made to feel less important, less credible, or less welcome in shared spaces.

These moments are often unintentional.
They are also impactful.

In animal rehabilitation—where teams are busy, emotionally taxed, and working under pressure—microaggressions can easily become normalized. A colleague looks at their computer while someone else is speaking. A phone is checked mid-conversation. One voice repeatedly speaks over another. A contribution is bypassed without acknowledgment.

Individually, these moments may seem insignificant. Collectively, they shape culture.

For physical therapists, microaggressions often show up as being talked over, having explanations cut short, or being deferred to only after medical topics are complete. PTs may be introduced to clients without clear professional framing, or their role may be minimized as “exercise instruction,” even when they are discussing evaluation, movement strategy, or tissue behavior.

For veterinarians, microaggressions can take different forms. Their need to move quickly may be misinterpreted as disinterest. Their decisiveness may be framed as dismissiveness. Their interruptions—often driven by time pressure and responsibility—may land as disrespect, even when the intent is efficiency or clarity.

Intent and impact are not the same.

Microaggressions matter because they signal hierarchy, safety, and belonging. When people are repeatedly interrupted, ignored, or deprioritized, they learn to speak less. When professionals stop speaking, teams lose access to knowledge—and patients lose access to better care.

There are examples of what repair can look like.

In collaborative discharge models—where veterinarians, physical therapists, trainees, and clients review plans together—roles are visible and respected. When medical questions arise, veterinarians speak. When movement or home-care questions arise, physical therapists lead. Everyone sees scope in action. Everyone learns.

These moments don’t require more time.
They require attention.

Microaggressions are not solved by perfection. They are softened by awareness, humility, and small behavioral shifts that signal respect.

When teams slow just enough to listen fully, collaboration deepens.
When voices are protected, care becomes more coherent.
When attention is shared, trust grows.

Action Steps

For Physical Therapists

• Name interruptions gently when they occur.
  A simple, “Let me finish this thought,” protects space without escalating tension.

• Frame contributions clearly.
  Lead with why your observation matters clinically before expanding.

• Notice withdrawal as a signal.
  If you’re speaking less, it may be time to seek support or reestablish boundaries.

For Veterinarians

• Protect speaking space intentionally.
  Invite PTs to complete thoughts before redirecting the conversation.

• Be mindful of divided attention.
  Eye contact and presence—even briefly—signal respect.

• Frame roles clearly for clients and teams.
  Clear introductions prevent unintentional hierarchy.

A Shared Collaborative Approach

Practice visible respect.
Simple behaviors—allowing full sentences, minimizing interruptions, acknowledging contributions—create psychological safety. Psychological safety improves communication, learning, and patient care.