Do recommendations from genetic counselors carry the same weight as one from an md?

It depends...: It depends on the setting and situation. Many genetic counselors work under the sponsorship of one or more mds. Many genetic counselors understand far more about the genetic aspects of a medical problem than many mds do. Ideally the counselor and the md complement each other's knowledge and skill. A board-certified genetic counselor is a highly respected professional.

Yes: Genetic counsellors have special training and are well educated in medical genetics. They are more knowledgeable in medical genetics than the average physician and accordingly you can be confident in their advice.