I'm so sorry to hear about your problems. Seriously, with everything you've been through, most people would want to crawl into a hole from embarassment. The fact that you can relate the story to others and know that you are not nearly as bad a person as this jerk doctor makes you out to be is a triumph that many couldn't accomplish.

I hate the modern office environment. Everyone is expected to be ultra-nice and social, and if you don't conform the "talk" behind your back begins. Believe me, you're far from the only person that this has happened to. I'm one of those people that likes to just sit down and do my work, but in a modern office that sort of behaviour is looked down upon. I mean, huh? I'm guessing it's even harder as a woman...a guy can still get away with being the "tough as nails" guy at the office, but women aren't allowed such a "privilege". It's a bit better in academia, but only a little.

Anyway, it sounds like you do a good job at work, and your manager knows that, so you've pretty much got a safe grounding, despite what others might think. So try not to let the gossiping get to you - if you're an important component of the workplace, then there's little they can really do to you.

Obviously I don't know you personally, but you seem like a kind, hard-working, and generous person. Everyone else here seems to agree, so I hope that the helps you somewhat.