How contract learning may be used in the introduction to clinical medicine is described, with the goal to develop and enhance self‐directed learning skills and attitudes of first‐ and second‐year medical students. Essential tasks associated with successful self‐directed learning are cited, and the contract method is described as a means for providing medical students with the opportunity to practise these tasks in the study of gerontology. The procedures followed in the implementation of the contract learning method are described, and its impacts on both need and motivation to continue learning about ageing and skills in directing independent learning projects are analysed and discussed. In addition, the implications of early preparation for doctor's lifelong learning are discussed.