I have no idea the particulars of your situation. I read the word slander. I've been through that twice in my life and the first time it did affect my career path. The second time it affected my social life. I know how that feels. It's a hurt deeper than other people can imagine.
I can't fathom why people purposely defame others, but they do.
It's a competitive act of cowardice enacted by persons of zero ethical and moral content, and I dare say, evil, if I would ever presume to call a thing evil.
Defamation can damage all things a person has built for themselves, leaving that person powerless to stop it.
What you do have control over is whether or not it destoys your spirit.
If you allow that, then they have really won.
Take an inventory of your life - put it on paper even. Contemplate each item. Know for yourself where your value lies.
Just remember, if you didn't have something that whoever that person or institution is threatened by, you wouldn't have become a target.
They can't take that from you, and it is where you have the strength to stand tall again.
If you have to take another direction, remember - in that direction is an opportunity that wasn't in the previous direction. You will get to select more choices for yourself.
I can't think of who at the moment, but there have been many hugely successful people who have overcome being struck down by any of the personal disasters that can happen in a life.
Try to see defamation for what it is - an act of jealous cowardice - NOT a statement of your personal worth or success.
You know who you are.
People who know you know who are are inside.
That doesn't change.