The tremendous proliferation of new programs in allied health education is contrasted with the situation which existed in the pre-Flexner era of medical education. Some similarities to the present state of allied health education and cautionary signs are noted. Allied health educators are urged to accept their responsibility for objective program planning. Several examples of successful regional planning approaches are noted as examples worthy of further investigation, with special attention focused on the State of Virginia, which appears to have developed some of the most comprehensive approaches to planning.