SEATTLE -- After 15 years as the medical director and orthopedic surgeon of the Mariners, Dr. Ed Khalfayan is stepping down from that position at the end of December.

Khalfayan has also been the head team physician for the Seahawks since 1996, a position he’ll retain. He has doubled as the Mariners’ primary physician since 2006.

“On behalf of the Mariners and all of our players, I want to thank Ed for all he has done for the franchise the last 15 years,” general manager Jerry Dipoto said. “His contributions have been pivotal in developing modernized sports medicine programs and orthopedic care for the Mariners.”

The Mariners have worked with Khalfayan to select his replacement, who will be announced next week.

“I’ve enjoyed taking care of elite baseball athletes and gaining even more extensive knowledge in elbow and shoulder injuries,” Khalfayan said. “The Mariners have given me a unique experience which has encouraged me to always stay up to date with advances in orthopedic sports medicine, surgical approaches and nonoperative options such as regenerative medicine or biologics.

“I’m proud of our medical teams’ accomplishments, including being awarded the Best Medical Staff in MLB in 2013,” Khalfayan said. “It has been a privilege to be involved with treating and operating on Mariner players over the past 15 years. However, because of increased requirements of my private practice at Orthopedic Physician Associates and my obligations as the Head Team Physician for the Seattle Seahawks, I do not feel I can continue to devote the necessary time to provide the highest level of care to the Mariners. This decision to step down will allow me more time to focus on my family, my orthopedic practice, the Seahawks, and other ventures.

“I would like to thank the Seattle Mariners organization for the incredible opportunity they have given me. I have a great deal of respect for the Seattle Mariners ownership and organization and it’s been an honor to work for them.”