(a) In addition to the assistance provided under § 24-1704 of this subtitle, the Department may, subject to the availability of money in the Fund, assist in the repayment of an education loan owed by a physician or physician assistant who:

(1) Practices a medical specialty that has been identified by the Department as being in shortage in the geographic area of the State where the physician or physician assistant practices that specialty; and

(2) Commits to practicing in the area for a period of time determined by the Department.

(b) The Department shall prioritize funding for the repayment of education loans through the Program in the following order:

(1) Physicians and physician assistants that meet the requirements under § 24-1704(b) of this subtitle;

(2) Physicians and physician assistants practicing primary care in a geographic area where the Department has identified a shortage of primary care physicians or physician assistants; and

(3) Physicians and physician assistants practicing a medical specialty other than primary care in a geographic area where the Department has identified a shortage of that specialty.