Conclusion:
This study showed that EI score differences among medical students in Al-Quds and Al-Najah Universities related to their academic stage (basic vs. clinical). Basic medical students had higher EI scores compared to clinical students. Furthermore, EI scores were enhanced by feeling satisfied and having no regrets about studying medicine and by participation in extracurricular activities or hobbies. The key finding of this study is to direct medical schools toward furnishing the emotional skill development of medical students in order to enhance the student and doctor-patient relationships.
Acknowledgement We would like to thank Dr. Suhair Ereqat for her advice and assistance in keeping our progress on schedule. Our grateful thanks are also extended to Mr. Mohamad Zawahra for his help in the meteorological data analysis and to Dr. Bassam Banat with Dr. Omar Remawi for help with the questionnaire. We wish to acknowledge the help provided by the Medical Research Club of Al-Quds University.